
Class Q K/f f 



Book 



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Copyright N°_ 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



THE WILD FLOWERS 

OF CALIFORNIA 

THEIR NAMES, HAUNTS, AND HABITS 



BY 

MARY ELIZABETH PARSONS 

ILLUSTRATIONS BY 

MARGARET WARRINER BUCK 



^ 




EIGHTH THOUSAND 

REVISED AND CORRECTED 



CUNNINGHAM, CURTISS & WELCH 
SAN FRANCISCO 

190 7 



-I 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two Copies Received 

DEC 28 1906 

/.Copyright Entry . 
CLASS /\ XXtf, No. 

/L <JT tvT/,. 

COPY B. 



Copyright, 1897, by William Doxe.. 



Copyright, 1902, by Mary Elizabeth Parsons, 



Copyright, 1906, by Mary Elizabeth Parsons. 



THE MURDOCK PRESS. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Preface to the Present Edition v 

Preface to the First Edition vii 

Table of Plates -. . xiii 

How to Use the Book xx 

Explanation of Terms xxiv 

Key to the Flowering Plants. : xxxv 

Plant Families or Orders lv 

Some Important Genera lxxxvi 

Index to Technical Terms xciv 

English Index to Plant Families xcv 

Latin Index to Plant Families xcvii 

Introductory xcix 

Prelude cv 

Flower Descriptions : — 

I. White ? 

II. Yellow 113 

III. Pink 199 

IV. Blue and Purple 261 

V. Red 341 

VI. Miscellaneous 7>7S 

Index to Latin Names 399 

Index to English Names 405 

Glossary 412 



Were I, O God, in churchless lands remaining, 

Far from all voice of teachers or divines, 
My soul would find in flowers of thy ordaining 
Priests, sermons, shrines !" 



PREFACE TO THE PRESENT EDITION 

On the 18th of April, 1906, the book-plates of 'The Wild 
Flowers of California" were in the press-rooms for the 
printing of a new edition, and in consequence suffered the fate 
shared by thousands of other books in our city upon that and 
the two or three succeeding days of disaster. 

It has therefore been necessary to have entirely new plates 
made. 

While this has caused much extra labor and inconvenience, 
it has at the same time proved an excellent opportunity for 
the making of some desirable improvements. 

A number of new flowers have been added, the nomenclature 
has been brought up to date, and, for the sake of those who 
wish to study plants in a somewhat more scientific manner 
and to become acquainted with their botanical relationships, 
an artificial key has been added, together with scientific and 
popular descriptions of all the plant families represented in 
this work. 

The Linnsean key, which groups plants by the number of 
their stamens, has been used because it is simple and easily 
understood and traces plants to their genera without a separate 
key for each of the large plant families. 

The book has also been given a new dress in which to start 
upon its new life — new, yet not so dissimilar as to be unrecog- 
nizable by old friends. 



PREFACE TO THE PRESENT EDITION 

In the present edition a limited number of copies have been 
printed upon deckle-edge water-color paper, with wider mar- 
gins and gilt top, and bound handsomely in ooze-leather. This 
edition de luxe may be had from the publishers or the author 
in two styles, — one in which the illustrations are printed as in 
the ordinary edition, the other in which they have been printed 
lightly for those who desire to color them. 

With these few words of explanation we send forth this 
new edition of ''The Wild Flowers of California," with 
the hope that it may prove helpful in the future as in the past. 

Kentfield, California,. November, 1906. 



PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION 

To the thoughtless a flower is often a trivial thing, — beau- 
tiful perhaps, and worthy of a passing glance, — but that is all. 
But to the mind open to the great truths of the universe, it 
takes on a deeper significance. Such a mind sees in its often 
humble beginnings the genesis of things far-reaching and 
mighty. Two thousand years ago one grain of the shower 
of pollen wafted upon the wind and falling upon a minute 
undeveloped cone, quickened a seed there into life, and this 
dropping into the soil pushed up a tiny thread of green, which, 
after the quiet process of the ages, you now behold in the 
giant Sequoia which tosses its branches aloft, swept by the 
four winds of heaven. 

Whether manifesting itself in the inconspicuous flower upon 
the tree or in the equally unassuming inflorescence of the vege- 
table, or unfurling petals of satin or gauze of brilliant hue and 
marvelous beauty, the blossom is the origin of most that is use- 
ful or beautiful in the organic world about us. Strip the world 
of its blossoms, and the higher forms of life must come to a 
speedy termination. Thus we see the flower playing a wonder- 
fully important part in the cosmos around us. It becomes 
henceforth not only a thing of beauty for the gratification of 
the aesthetic sense, but the instrument by which Nature brings 
about the fullness of her perfection in her own good season. 

There is perhaps no nature-study that can yield the same 
amount of pure and unalloyed pleasure with so little outlay as 
the study of the wild flowers. When one is interested in them, 
every walk into the fields is transformed from an aimless ram- 

vii 



PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION 

ble into a joyous, eager quest, and every journey upon stage 
or railroad becomes a rare opportunity for making new plant- 
acquaintances — a season of exhilarating excitement. 

Mr. Burroughs, that devout lover of nature, says : — "Most 
young people find botany a dull study. So it is, as taught 
from the text-books in the schools ; but study it yourself in the 
fields and woods, and you will find it a source of perennial 
delight. Find your flower, and then name it by the aid of the 
botany. There is so much in a name. To find out what a 
thing is called is a great help. It is the beginning of knowl- 
edge ; it is the first step. When we see a new person who 
interests us, we wish to know his or her name. A bird, a 
flower, a place — the first thing we wish to know about it is its 
name. Its name helps us to classify it ; it gives us a handle to 
grasp it by ; it sheds a ray of light where all before was dark- 
ness. As soon as we know the name of a thing, we seem to 
have established some sort of relation with it." 

Having learned the name of a flower or plant, or having 
been formally introduced to it, as it were, our acquaintance has 
but just begun. Instead of being our end and aim, as it was 
with students of botany in the olden times, this is but the be- 
ginning. If this were our ultimate aim, all our pleasure would 
be at an end as soon as we had learned the names of all the 
plants within our reach. But the point of view has changed 
and broadened. The plant is now recognized as a living 
organism, not a dead, unchanging thing. It is vital; it grows; 
it is amenable to the great laws of the universe ; and we see it 
daily complying with those laws, adapting itself to its sur- 
roundings — or perishing. It becomes a thing of absorbing 
interest when we trace the steps by which it has come to be 
what it is ; when we note its relationship to other closely allied 
forms, and locate its place in the great world of plants. 

A thoughtful observation of the structure of plants alone 
will fill the mind with amazement at the beauty of their mi- 
nutest parts, the exquisite perfection of every organ. Then it 



PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION 

is most interesting to notice the various kinds of places where 
the same plants grow ; how they flourish in different soils and 
climates ; how they parry the difficulties of new and unaccus- 
tomed surroundings, by some change of structure or habit to 
meet the altered conditions — as clothing themselves with wool, 
to prevent the undue escape of moisture, or twisting their 
leaves to a vertical position for the same purpose, or sending 
their roots deep into the earth to seek perennial sources of 
moisture, which enables them to flourish in our driest times. 
It is wonderful to note, too, the methods employed to secure 
the distribution of the seed — how it is sometimes imbedded 
in a delicious edible fruit ; again furnished with hooks or bris- 
tles that catch in the hair of passing animals, or springs that 
throw it to a distance, or silken sails that waft it away upon 
the wings of the wind. Then the insects that visit plants. 
It is marvelous to note how plants spread their attractions in 
bright colors and perfumes and offerings of honey to bees, 
butterflies, and moths that can carry their pollen abroad, and 
how they even place hindrances in the way of such as are un- 
desirable, like ants. 

Studied in this way, botany is no longer the dry science it 
used to be, but becomes a most fascinating pursuit ; and we 
know of no richer field in which to carry on the study of 
flowers than that afforded in California. 

There has been a long-felt need of a popular work upon the 
wild flowers of California. Though celebrated throughout the 
world for their wealth and beauty, and though many of them 
have found their way across the waters and endeared them- 
selves to plant-lovers in many a foreign garden, the story of 
their home life has never yet been told. 

It has been the delightful task of the author and the illustra- 
tor of the present work to seek them out in their native haunts 
— on seashore and mesa, in deep, cool canon, on dry and open 
hill-slope, on mountain-top, in glacier meadow, by stream and 



PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION 

lake, in marsh and woodland, and to listen to the ofttimes 
marvelous tales they have had to unfold. If they shall have 
succeeded in making better known these children of Mother 
Nature to her lovers and appreciators, and in arousing an 
interest in them among those who have hitherto found the 
technical difficulties of scientific botany insurmountable, they 
will feel amply rewarded for their labors. 

The present work does not claim by any means to be a com- 
plete flora of the region treated. Our State is so new, and 
many parts of it have as yet been so imperfectly explored, 
that a comprehensive and exhaustive flora of it must be the 
work of a future time, and will doubtless be undertaken by 
some one when all the data have been procured. Such an 
attempt, however, were it possible, is without the scope of the 
present work. 

California, with her wonderfully varied climate and topog- 
raphy, has a flora correspondingly rich and varied, probably 
not surpassed by any region of like area in the Northern 
Hemisphere. Thus the author finds herself confronted with 
an embarrassment of riches rather than with any lack of mate- 
rial ; and it has often been exceedingly difficult to exclude 
some beautiful flower that seemed to have strong claims to 
representation. . She therefore craves beforehand the indul- 
gence of the reader, should he find some favorite missing. 

In making a choice, she has been guided by the following 
general principles, and selected, -first — the flowers most gen- 
eral in their distribution; second — those remarkable for their 
beauty of form or color, their interesting structure, history, or 
economic uses ; third — those which are characteristically Cali- 
fornian. At the same time, those which are too insignificant 
in appearance to attract attention and those too difficult of 
determination by the non-botanist have been omitted. Flow- 
ering plants only have been included. 

Many of our species extend northward into Oregon and 
Washington. Thus, while this work is called "The Wild 



PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION 

Flowers of California," it will in a certain measure apply 
equally well to Oregon and Washington. 

It has been the aim of the author to picture for the most 
part the flowers peculiarly Californian, leaving Mrs. Dana's 
charming book, "How to Know the Wild Flowers," to illus- 
trate those we possess in common with the Atlantic Slope, thus 
making the works the complements one of the other. 

Mrs. Dana has kindly permitted the author to use her plan 
of arrangement — i. e. of grouping all the white flowers in one 
section, the yellow in another, the pink in a third, and so on, 
which, in the absence of a key, greatly facilitates the finding of 
any given flower. The flowers of each section have been 
arranged as nearly as possible according to their natural suc- 
cession in the seasons, with a few exceptions. 

Such confusion is rife in the nomenclature of Californian 
plants, and the same plant is so often furnished with several 
names, — and several plants sometimes with the same name, — 
that the authority is in every instance quoted, in order to 
make it perfectly clear what plant is meant by the name given. 
Wherever allusion is made to the Spanish-Californians, the 
Spanish-j/^afowg Californians are meant, very few of whom 
are Castilians at the present day, most of whom are of an 
admixture of races. 

The flower-cuts are all from pen-and-ink drawings by the 
illustrator ; and all but four are from her own original studies 
from nature. These four, which it was impossible for her to 
procure, have been adapted by her from other drawings, by 
the aid of herbarium specimens. They include Aphyllon fas- 
cicidatum, Fremontia Calif ornica, Hosackia gracilis, and Bro- 
dicca volubilis. It has been impossible upon so small a page 
to maintain a uniform relative size in the drawings, for which 
reason the plant-descriptions in fine print should be consulted 
for the size. 

The author and the illustrator desire to make grateful ac- 
knowledgments to many kind friends throughout the State 



PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION 

who have rendered them assistance in numerous ways. Their 
gratitude is due in particular to Miss Alice Eastwood, of the 
California Academy of Sciences, who, by her unfailing kindness 
and encouragement, as well as by her personal assistance, has 
rendered them invaluable aid. Also, to Air. Carl Purdy, of 
Ukiah, who, from his wide experience as a grower of our 
native liliaceous plants, has a knowledge of them shared by 
few or none, and who has generously placed at their disposal 
the results of his observations. They also tender their thanks 
to the Southern Pacific and the North Pacific railways, who, 
by the generous granting of reduced rates and passes, have 
made possible a wider personal acquaintance with the flowers 
than could have otherwise been enjoyed. 

San Rafael, Cal., October 15, 1897. 



TABLE OF PLATES 

Aconite Aconitum Columbianum 335 

Adder's-Tongue, Fetid Scoliopus Bigelovii 263 

Alfalfa Medicago sativa 33s 

Alfilerilla Erodium cicutarium 201 

Alpine Heather Bryanthus Brezveri 253 

Alpine Phlox Phlox Douglasii 255 

Alum-Root Heuchera Hartwegii 61 

American Barrenwort Vancouvcria parviftora 91 

Anemone, Wood Anemone quinque folia 21 

Aster, Beach Erigeron glaucus 313 

Aster, Common Aster Chamissonis 339 

August- Flower Grindelia cuneifolia 181 

Azalea, California Rhododendron occidcntalc 89 

Azulea Sisyrinchium helium 291 

Azure Beard-Tongue Pentstemon asureus 315 

Baby-Blue-Eyes Nemophila insignis 297 

Baccharis Baccharis Douglasii 109 

Barrenwort, American Vancouveria parviflora 91 

Beach-Aster Erigeron glaucus 313 

Beard-Tongue, Azure Pentstemon asureus 315 

Beautiful Clarkia Clarkia concinna 243 

Bee-Plant, California Scrophularia Calif omica 349 

Bellflower Campanula prenanthoidcs 329 

Big-Root Echinocystis fabacea 29 

Blazing-Sta.r Mentzelia Lindleyi 173 

Bleeding-Heart Dicentra formosa 249 

Blue-Blossom Ceanothus thyrsiflorus 281 

Blue-Curls, Woolly Trichostema lanatum 323 

Blue-eyed Grass Sisyrinchium helium • • • • 291 

Blue-eyes, Baby- Nemophila insignis 297 

Blue Milla Brodicea laxa 311 

Blue Myrtle Ceanothus thyrsiflorus 281 

Blue weed Aconitum Columbianum 335 

Brodi^a Brodicea capita ta 269 

Brodlea, Harvest Brodicea grandiiiora 325 



TABLE OF PLATES 

Brodi.ea, Twining Brodicea volubilis 239 

Broom-Rape, Naked Aphyllon fasciculatum 177 

Broom, Wild Hosackia glabra 157 

Bronze-Bells ")„..„ . , 

rritillaria lanccclata 271 



Brown Lily 

Buckwheat, Wild Eriogonum fasciculatum 35 

Bugler, Scarlet Pcntstemon centranthifolius 365 

Calf's-Head Darlingtonia Calif omica 397 

California Fuchsia Zauschneria Calif omica 373 

California Lilac Ceanothus thyrsiHorus 281 

California Poppy Eschscholtzia Calif omica 119 

Calypso Calypso borealis 217 

Canaigre Rumex hymenosepalus 385 

Cancer-Root Aphyllon fasciculatum 177 

Canchalagua Erythrcca venusta 225 

Canterbury-Bell, Wild Phacclia Whitlavia , 295 

Cat's-Ears Calochortus Maweanus 285 

Centaury, California Erythrcca venusta 225 

Chamise Lily Erythronium gigantcum 141 

Chaparral Lily Lilium rubescens 75 

Chaparral Pea Xylothermia montana 237 

Chia Salvia Columbaria: 303 

Chilicothe Echinocystis fabacca 29 

Christmas-Horns Delphinium nudicaule 353 

Clarkia, Beautiful Clarkia concinna 243 

Climbing Pentstemon Pcntstemon cordifolius 357 

Clocks Er odium cicutarium 201 

Clover, Chilean Midicago sativa 333 

Clover, Pin Er odium cicutarium 201 

Cluster-Lily Brodicea capitata 269 

Collinsia ColUnsia bicolor 299 

Columbine Aquilcgia truncata 355 

Co pa de Oro Eschscholtzia Calif omica 119 

Coral-Root Corallorhiza Bigelovii 279 

Cream-Cups Platystcmon Calif omicus 117 

Currant, Flowering Ribcs glutinosum 221 

Cyclamen, Wild Dodecathcon Hcndcrsoni, var. 

cruciata 211 

Daisy, Seaside Erigeron glaucus 313 

Deer- Weed Hosackia glabra 157 

Diogenes' Lantern Calochortus amabilis 149 

xiv 



TABLE OF PLATES 

Dog's-tooth Violet Erythronium giganteum 141 

Dutchman's Pipe Aristolochia Calif omica 381 

Evening Primrose, White CEnothera Calif omica 51 

False Lady's Slipper Epipactis gigantea 395 

False Mallow Mahastrum Thurbcri 227 

False Tidy-Tips Leptosyne Douglasii. . . 153 

Farewell to Spring Godetia amcena 247 

Fawn-Lily Erythronium giganteum 141 

Fetid Adder's-Tongue Scoliopus Bigclovii 263 

Filaree, Red-stemmed Erodium cicutarium 201 

Firecracker Flower Bvcdicea coccinea 245 

Fireweed Epilobium spicatum 251 

Forget-me-not, White Plagiobothrys nothofulvus.. ..... 33 

Four-o'clock, California Mirabilis Calif omica 215 

Fringed Gilia Gilia dianthoides 223 

Fuchsia, California Zauschneria Calif omica 373 

Gentian, Blue Gentiana calycosa 337 

Gilia, Blue Gilia achillccefolia 305 

Gilia, Fringed Gilia dianthoides 223 

Gilia, Scarlet Gilia aggregata 367 

Gilia, Small Gilia androsacea 229 

Ginger, Wild Asarum caudatum 317 

Globe-Tulip, Yellow Calochortus amabilis 149 

Globe-Tulip, White Calochortus albus 57 

Godetia Godetia amcena 247 

Golden Lily-Bell Calochortus amabilis 149 

Golden Stars Bloomeria aurea 159 

Gooseberry, Fuchsia-flowered. . Ribes speciosum 345 

Grass, Blue-eyed Sisyrinchium helium 291 

Grindelia Grindelia cuneifolia 181 

Ground-Iris Iris macrosiphon 287 

Ground-Pink Gilia dianthoides 223 

Gum-Plant Grindelia cuneifolia 181 

Harebell, California Campanula prenanthoides 329 

Harvest Brodi^a Brodicea grandiUora 325 

Heather, Alpine Bryanthus Breweri 253 

Heliotrope, Wild Phacelia ramosissima 289 

Hen-and-Chickens . . Dudleya Sheldoni 147 

Herald of Summer Godetia amcena 247 



TABLE OF PLATES 

Hollyhock, Wild Sidalcea malvceflora 205 

Hound's-Tongue Cynoglossum grande 265 

Huckleberry Vaccinium ovatum 207 

Humming-bird's Trumpet Zauschneria Calif omica 373 

Hyacinth, Twining Brodicea volubilis 239 

Indian Lettuce Montia perfoliata 19 

Indian Paint-Brush Castilleia latifolia 351 

Indian Pink Silene Calif omica 361 

Indian Warrior Pcdicularis dcnsi flora 343 

Innocence Collinsia bicolor 299 

Iris, Ground Iris macrosiphon 287 

Ithuriel's Spear Brodicea laxa 311 

Lady's Slipper, False Epipactis giganteum 395 

Lady's Slipper, Mountain Cypripedium montanum 389 

Ladies' Tresses Spiranthes RomanzoManum 95 

Lantern of the Fairies Calochortus albus 57 

Larkspur, Blue Delphinium 283 

Larkspur, Scarlet, Northern. . Delphinium nudicaule 353 

Lessingia Lessingia leptoclada 259 

Lilac, California Ceanothus thyrsiilorus 281 

Lily, Brown Fritillaria lanceolata 271 

Lily, Chamise Erythronium giganteum 141 

Lily, Little Alpine Lilium parvum 185 

Lily, Fawn Erythronium giganteum 141 

Lily, Ruby Lilium rubescens 75 

Lily-Bell, Golden Calochortus amabilis 149 

Loco-Weed Astragalus leucopsis 45 

Lucern Medicago sativa 333 

Lupine, Blue-and-White Lupinus bicolor 309 

Mallow, False Malvastrum Thurberi 227 

Mallow, Tree- Lavatera assurgentiftora 233 

Manzanita Arctostaphylos manzanita 13 

Mariposa Tulip Calochortus venustus 81 

Matilija Poppy Romneya Coulteri 67 

Meadow-Foam Flcerkca Douglasii 131 

Milkweed, Common Asclepias Mexicana 319 

Milkweed, Hornless Woolly. . . Gomphocarpus tomentosus 387 

Milk-white Rein-Orchis Habenaria leucostachys 99 

Milkwort, California Poly gala Calif omica 293 



TABLE OF PLATES 

Miner's Lettuce Montia perfoiiata 19 

Modesty Whip plea modesta 37 

Monkey-Flower, Bush Diplacus ghitinosus ■. 145 

Monkey-Flower, Common Mimulus luteus 139 

Monkey-Flower, Sticky Diplacus glutinosus 145 

Monk's-Hood Aconitum Columbianum 335 

Mottled Swamp-Orchis Epipactis gigantea 395 

Mountain Balm Eriodictyon glutinosum 59 

Nightshade, Violet Solanum Xanti 275 

Orchis, Rein- Habenaria elegans 391 

Rein-Orchis, Milk-white Habenaria leucostachys 99 

Paint-Brush, Indian Castilleia latifolia 351 

Paint-Brush, Pink Orthocarpus purpurascens 235 

Pansy, Yellow Viola peduncidata 125, 

Pelican-Flower Orthocarpus versicolor 55 

Pennyroyal Monardella villosa 331 

Pentach^ta Pentachceta aurca 129 

Pentstemon, Climbing Pcntstemon cordifoliu: 357 

Peony, Wild Pcconia Brownii 347 

Pepper- Root Dcntaria Calif ornica 5 

Phlox, Alpine Phlox Douglasii 255 

Phlox, Prickly Gilia Calif ornica 213 

Pin-Clover Erodium cicutarium 201 

Pine-Drops Pterospora andromedea 191 

Pink, Indian Silcne Calif ornica 361 

Pipe- Vine Aristolochia Calif ornica 381 

Pipsissiwa Chimaphila Menziesii 107 

Pitcher-Plant, California . . . . Darlingtonia Calif ornica 397 

Pitcher-Sage Sphacele calycina 47 

Poison-Oak Rhus diversiloba 9 

Poleo Monardella villosa 331 

-r-, ^ „ ( Orthocarpus versicolor 55 

Pop-Corn Flower \ m . * „ , , 

( Plagwbothrys nothofulvus 33 

Poppy, California Eschscholtzia Calif ornica 119 

Portulaca, Wild Calandrinia caulescens 219 . 

Prickly Phlox Gilia Calif ornica 213 

Primrose, Sierra Primula suifrutescens 257 

Prince's Pine Chimaphila Menziesii 107 

Pussy's-Ears Calochortus Maweanus 285 

Pussy's-Paws Spraguea umbellata 73 



TABLE OF PLATES 

Rattlesnake Plantain Goody era Mensiesii 101 

Rattleweed Astragalus leucopsis 45 

Redwood Sorrel Oxalis Oregana 20.3 

Rein-Orchis Habenaria elegans 391 

Rein-Orchis, Milk-white Habenaria leucostachys 99 

Rice-Root Fritillaria lanceolata 271 

Romero Trichostema lanatum 323 

Rose-Bay, California Rhododendron Calif ornicum 241 

Ruby Lily Lilium rub esc ens 75 

Sand-Verbena, Yellow Abronia latifolia. 151 

Satin-Bell Calochortus albus 57 

Saxifrage, California Saxifraga Calif omica 17 

Scarlet Bugler Pentsternon centranthifolius 365 

Scarlet Gilia Gilia aggregata 367 

Scarlet Honeysuckle Pentsternon cordifolius 357 

Scarlet Larkspur, Northern. . . Delphinium nudicaule 353 

Scarlet Paint-Brush Castilleia latifolia 351 

Seaside Daisy Erigeron glaucus 313 

Shinleaf, White-veined Pyrola picta 103 

Shooting-Stars Dodecatheon Meadia 211 

Sierra Primrose Primula sutfrutescens 257 

Silk-Tassel Tree Garrya elliptica 377 

Skullcap Scutellaria tuberosa 277 

Slippery-Elm, California Fremontodendron Calif omica.. . . 163 

Snapdragon, Violet Antirrhinum vagans 327 

Snow-Plant Sar codes sanguinea 369 

Soap-Plant ....'. Chlorogalum pomeridianum 85 

Sorrel, Redwood Oxalis Oregana 203 

Spring-Blossom Dentaria Calif omica 5 

St. John's-wort Flypericum concinnum 167 

Sulphur-Flower Eriogonum umbellatum.. 183 

Sun-Cups ', Oenothera ovata 115 

Sunshine Baeria gracilis 129 

Sweet-scented Shrub, California Calycanthus occidentalis 359 

_ ( Hemitonia luzulccfolia 193 

Tarweed u ,. , ~ 

( Madia elegans 187 

Tidy-Tips Layia platyglossa 153 

Tidy-Tips, False Leptosyne Douglasii 153 

Tooth wort Dentaria Calif omica 5 

Torosa Eschscholtzia Calif omica 119 



TABLE OF PLATES 

Tree-Mallow Lavatera assurgentiHora 233 

Tree- Poppy Dendromecon rigida 123 

Trillium, California Trillium sessile 267 

Twin-Berry Lonicera involucrata 127 

Twining Hyacinth Brodicea volubilis 239 

Vancouveria Vancouveria parviilora 91 

Villela Sisyrinchium helium 291 

Wake-Robin Trillium ovatum 11 

Wall-Flower, Cream -colored.. . Erysimum grandiHoriim 137 

Whispering Bells Emmenanthe penduliHora 135 

Wild Cucumber Echinocystis fabacea 29 

Willow-Herb, Great Epilobium spicatum 251 

Wind-Flower 

Wood Anemone 

Wood-Balm Sphacele calycina 47 

Woodland Star Lithophragma afUnis 25 

Woolly Blue-Curls Trichostema lanatum 323 



(. Anemone quinque folia. 



Yellow Daisy Layia platyglossa 153 

Yellow Globe-Tulip Calochortus amabilis 149 

Yellow Pansy Jlola pcdunculata 125 

Yellow Sand-Verbena Abronia latifolia 151 

Yerba Buena Micromeria Douglasii 65 

Yerba Mansa Anemopsis Calif ornica 79 

Yerba Santa Eriodictyon Calif ornicum 59 

Zygadene Zygadenus Fremonti 7 

Hosackia gracilis 171 



HOW TO USE THE BOOK 

When gathering flowers with a view to ascertaining their 
names with the help of the botany, the whole plant — root, 
stem, leaves, flowers, buds, and fruit — should be secured, if 
possible. This will avoid much uncertainty in the work. 

The anthers are best seen in the unopened buds, and the 
ovary in old flowers or those gone to seed. A cross-section of 
the ovary will show the number of its cells. 

The flowers should be sorted into colors, and each in turn 
looked for in its own color-section. In arranging the flowers 
according to color, some difficulty has been experienced, be- 
cause the pink blends so gradually into the purple, and the 
purple into white, etc., that it has been impossible sometimes 
to say accurately to which section a flower rightly belongs. 
In such a case search must be made in the other probable sec- 
tion. Sometimes the same flower occurs in several colors, in 
which case it is usually put into the section in whose color it 
most frequently occurs. In some cases it has been more con- 
venient to place a flower with another of the same genus 
but of a different color, in order to save repetition of tech- 
nical description. In the Red Section have been included 
flowers of a scarlet hue, not those of crimson or magenta hues, 
as these have a tendency to merge into pink or purple. Flowers 
of a greenish-white are usually put into the White Section, 
those of more decided green into the Miscellaneous. 

It is an excellent plan for the student to write a careful de- 
scription of his plant before beginning to look for it in the 
book; commencing with the root, passing on to stems, leaves, 
inflorescence, calyx, corolla, etc., taking the order of the tech- 
nical descriptions in the book. This will serve to do away 
with that vacillating condition of mind which is often the 



HOW TO USE THE BOOK 

result of reading a number of plant-descriptions before fixing 
firmly in mind the characters of the specimens under con- 
sideration. 

A magnifying-glass,' — or a small dissecting microscope and 
a good Zeiss lens, if more careful work is to be done, — a 
couple of dissectmg needles, a pocket-knife, and a small three- 
or four-inch measure, having one of the inches divided into 
lines, will be required for examining specimens. 

It is a good plan to make a note of the date and place of 
collection of all pla.nts, as it is often of great interest to know 
these facts at some future time. It is also an excellent plan to 
keep a note-book and jot down any unusual or interesting 
facts observed about plants. 

Plants are grouped into great orders, or families, which are 
made up of a number of genera, each genus consisting of a 
number of species. Species are composed of similar individ- 
uals which have the power of producing others of like kind. 
Every plant has two Latin names ; the first a generic name, 
answering to the last name of a person ; the second a specific 
name, answering to a person's given name. The latter is usually 
descriptive of some quality or character of the plant, the name 
of the place where found, or of its discoverer, or of some per- 
son in whose honor it is named. This dual name serves to 
clearly distinguish the species from all others, especially when 
the name of the person by whom the specific name was be- 
stowed is added. 

Each plant-family bears an English title, which is usually 
the name of its best-known genus. Thus the order Legumi- 
nosce is known as the "Pea Family" because Lathyrus, or the 
pea, is its best-known genus. In many instances the English 
names borne by orders in the Eastern States have no signifi- 
cance with us, as the type genus is not found in our flora. In 
most such cases we have given the name of the genus best 
known among us, to which we have added the other; thus, 
"Baby-eyes or Waterleaf Family." 



HOW TO USE THE BOOK 

Most of our plants have common English names, and the 
same plant is often known by one name in one locality and by 
another in another. Hence, while these names are often pretty 
and apt, they cannot serve for the accurate identification of the 
plant. For this we must consult its Latin name, by which it is 
known all over the world. 

If the scientific description of any plant seem insufficient, 
further information may be gained about it if reference be 
made to the descriptions under "Plant Families or Orders" 
(p. lv) and "A Few of Our Largest and Most Important 
Genera" (p. lxxxvi). Thus, if the plant under consideration be 
Pentstemon cordifolius (p. 356), turn back to the description of 
.the Figwort family, and afterward to that of the genus Pent- 
stemon (p. xci), which applies to all the plants of this particular 
genus, and will aid in the more certain identification of the 
specimen in hand. 

Wherever the terms used are not understood, reference 
should be made to the "Explanation of Terms" or to the 
Glossary. 

For the identification of species not found in the present work, 
other books should be consulted. The two large volumes of 
the botany of the Geological Survey of California are the most 
complete of anything thus far published. In addition to these, 
"The Synoptical Flora of North America," as far as published 
(the Gamopetalcs, the Composites, and some orders of the Poly- 
petalce), furnishes valuable aid. Professor E. L. Greene's 
works, "The Botany of the Bay Region," "Pittonia," and 
"Flora Franciscana," furnish excellent plant-descriptions for 
the more advanced botanist, and Professor Willis L. Jepson's 
"Flora of Western Middle California" will prove helpful. The 
author's technical descriptions have in every instance been 
verified by comparison with one or more of the above works. 

Miss Eastwood's little volume, published as Part Second 
of "Bergen's Elements of Botany," (and also issued in sepa- 
rate form,) is recommended for use in connection with the 



HOW TO USE THE BOOK 

present work, as it embodies in a compact form a general 
view of the method of classification of plants, showing their 
places in the plant-world and their relations to one another. It 
also contains very clear descriptions of plant-families. To the 
student who becomes interested in knowing more about the 
structure of plants, Gray's "Structural Botany" will prove 
useful; and "The Natural History of Plants," by Kerner, 
(translated from the German by Oliver,) will prove a fas- 
cinating book. 



EXPLANATION OF TERMS 

[The following simple definitions of the more common terms used have 
been mostly taken or adapted from the works of Asa Gray and others, and will 
prove useful to those unacquainted with botany, or to those whose memories 
require refreshing. For further explanation of terms, see Glossary, p. 412.] 

ROOTS 

The root is that portion of the plant which grows down- 
ward, fixing it to the soil, and absorbing nourishment from 
the latter. True roots produce nothing but root-branches or 
rootlets. 

Simple or unbranched roots are named according to their 
shapes — 

conical, when like the carrot ; 
napiform, when like the turnip ; 
fusiform, when like the long radish. 
Multiple, or branched, roots may be — 

fascicled, or bunched, as in the dahlia ; 
tubercular, when furnished with small tubers ; 
fibrous, when threadlike. 

STEMS 

The stem is the ascending axis of the plant, which usual- 
ly bears the leaves, flowers, and fruit. The points on the stem 
to which the leaves are fastened are called the nodes; and 
the portions of stem between the nodes are called the inter- 
nodes. The angle formed by the upper side of the leaf and 
the stem is called the axil. 

Stems aboveground are classed as — 
erect, when growing upright ; 
procumbent, when lying on the ground without rooting ; 



EXPLANATION OF TERMS 

decumbent, when lying on the ground with the tip 

ascending ; 
diffuse, when loosely spreading ; 
creeping, when growing on the ground and rooting. 

Stems underground are classed as rhizomes (or root- 
stocks), tubers, corms, and bulbs, the forms passing into 
one another by gradations. 

A rhizome, or rootstock, is a horizontal underground 
stem. It is sometimes thick, fleshy, or woody, as in 
the iris ; 
a tuber, is a short, much thickened rootstock, having 
eyes or buds — of which the potato is an example ; 
a corm is a depressed and rounded, solid rootstock ; it 
may be called a solid bulb ; the garden cyclamen is 
an example; 
a bulb is a leaf-bud, commonly underground, with 
fleshy scales or coats ; the lily is an example. 

LEAVES 

Leaves are the green expansions borne by the stem, out- 
spread in the air and light, in which assimilation is carried on. 
They may be said to be the stomachs of the plant. A typical 
leaf consists of three parts — the blade, the foot-stalk (or 
petiole), and a pair of stipules. Yet any one of these parts 
may be absent. 

The blade is the expanded portion of the leaf and the 

part to which the word leaf, in its commonest 

sense, is applied ; 

the stipules are small, usually leaflike bodies borne at 

the base of the petiole, usually one on either side ; 

the petiole is the stalk of the leaf. 

Leaves are simple, when having but one blade ; compound, 
when having more than one, when each blade is called a 
leaflet. 

XXV 



EXPLANATION OF TERMS 

Compound leaves are said to be — 

pinnate, when the leaflets are arranged along the sides of 

a petiole, or rather of its prolongation, the rachis ; 
abruptly pinnate, with an even number of leaflets ; 
odd-pinnate, with an odd leaflet at the end ; 
palmate, or digitate, when the leaflets all diverge from 

the summit of the petiole, like the fingers of a hand. 

VENATION 

The venation, or veining, of leaves relates to the mode in 
which the woody tissue, in the form of ribs, veins, etc., is dis- 
tributed in the cellular tissue. 
There are two principle modes — 

the parallel-veined, of which the iris is an example ; 
the reticulated-veined, or netted-veined, of which the 
elm is an example. 
Small veins are called veinlets. 

FORM 
As to general form, or outline, leaves are : — 
Those broadest in the middle — 

peltate, or shield-shaped, when rounded, with the stem 

attached to the center, or near it — as in the garden 

nasturtium ; 
orbicular, when circular in outline, or nearly so ; 
oval, when having a flowing outline, with the breadth 

considerably more than half the length, and both 

ends alike ; 
elliptical, when twice or thrice as long as broad, and 

having a flowing outline, and both ends alike ; 
oblong, when nearly twice or thrice as long as broad ; 
linear, when narrow, several times longer than wide, 

and of about the same width throughout ; 
acerose, when needle-shaped — like the pine. 



EXPLANATION OF TERMS 

Those broadest at the base — 

deltoid, when having the triangular shape of the Greek 

letter delta (A) ; 
ovate, when having an outline like the section of a 

hen's-egg, the broader end downward; 
lanceolate, or lance-shaped, when several times longer 

than broad, and tapering upward, or both upward 

and downward; 
subulate, when shaped like an awl ; 
cordate, when ovate, with a heart-shaped base ; 
reniform, when like the last, only rounder and broader 

than long; 
auriculate, when having a pair of small blunt projec- 
tions, or ears, at the base ; 
sagittate, or arrow-shaped, when those ears are acute 

and turned downward, the body of the leaf tapering 

upward ; 
hastate, or halberd-shaped, when the ears or lobes point 

outward. 
Those broadest at the apex — 

obovate, when inversely ovate ; 

oblanceolate, when inversely lanceolate ; 

spatulate, when rounded above, and long and narrow 

below, like a druggist's spatula; 
cuneate, or wedge-shaped, when broad above, tapering 

by straight lines to an acute base ; 
obcordate, when inversely cordate. 
Sometimes no one of the above terms will describe a leaf, 
and it becomes necessary to combine two of them; as, linear- 
spatulate, ovate-lanceolate, etc. 

THE APEX 
Leaves are classified according to their apices ; as — 

emarginate, when having a decided terminal notch ; 
truncate, when abruptly cut off; 



EXPLANATION OF TERMS 

obtuse, when ending in a blunt or roundish extremity; 
acute, when ending in an acute angle, without special 

tapering ; 
acuminate, when tapering into a narrow, more or less 

prolonged end ; 
niucronate, when abruptly tipped with a small, short 

point. 

THE MARGIN 

Leaves are classified according to their margins ; as — 

entire, when the margin is completely filled out to an 

even line ; 
repand, or undulate, when the margin is a wavy line ; 
dentate, or toothed, when the teeth point outward ; 
crenate, or scalloped, when dentate, with the teeth 

rounded ; 
serrate, when having small sharp teeth directed forward ; 
incised, when cut by sharp and irregular incisions more 

or less deeply; 
lobed, when cut not more than half-way to the midrib, 

and the divisions or their angles are rounded ; 
cleft, when cut half-way down or more, and the lobes or 

sinuses are narrow or acute ; 
parted, when the cutting reaches almost but not quite to 

the midrib; 
divided, when the blade is cut into distinct parts, thus 

making the leaf compound. 

All these terms may be modified by the words pinnate or 
palmate; thus — pinnately parted, pinnately divided, palmately 
parted, palmately divided, etc. ; also by the adjectives once, 
twice, thrice, etc. 

As sepals and petals are but modified leaves, i. e. leaves that 
have undergone a morphological change to fit them for new 
duties, all that has been said about the form, the apex, and 
the margins of leaves is equally applicable to them. 



EXPLANATION OF TERMS 

TEXTURE 
Leaves vary as to texture, and may be — 

coriaceous, or leathery ; fleshy, or thick ; 

succulent, or juicy; herbaceous, or thin. 

s carious, or dry and thin ; 

ARRANGEMENT 
According to their arrangement on the stem, leaves are — 
alternate, when distributed singly at different heights on 

the stem ; 
opposite, when two stand opposite each other at the 

nodes ; 
whorlcd, when more than two are borne at a node, 
equidistant in a circle around the stem. 

INFLORESCENCE 

Inflorescence is a term commonly applied to the mode of 
flowering — i. e. to the arrangement of blossoms on the stem 
and their relative positions to one another. 

A peduncle is the stem of a solitary flower, or the 

main stem of a flower-cluster ; 
a scape is a peduncle growing from the ground ; 
a pedicel is the stem of each flower in a cluster ; 
a bract is a small floral leaf; 

an involucre is a collection of bracts around a flower- 
cluster or around a single flower. 

Flowers may be solitary or clustered. 
Solitary flowers or flower-clusters are — 

terminal, when borne at the summit of the stem; 

axillary, when borne in the axils of the leaves. 
A flower-cluster is called — 

a raceme, when the, flowers are arranged along the 
axis upon pedicels nearly equal in length ; 



EXPLANATION OF TERMS 

a corymb, when the flowers are arranged as in the 

raceme, with the lower pedicels elongated, making 

the cluster flat-topped; 
an umbel, when the pedicels arise from the same 

point, like the rays of an umbrella, and the cluster 

is flat-topped ; 
a panicle, when compound, irregularly made up of a 

number of racemes ; 
a thyrse, when it is a contracted panicle, or a mixed 

inflorescence, whose main axis is indeterminate, 

but whose secondary or ultimate clusters are 

cymose ; 
a spike, when like a raceme, the flowers being without 

pedicels ; 
a spadix, when it is a fleshy spike, generally enveloped 

by a large bract, called a spathe, as in the calla- 

lily; 
an ament, or catkin, when it is a pendent spike, with 

scaly bracts, like the willow ; 
a head, when it is a shortened spike, with a globular 

form; 
a cyme, when it is branched and flat-topped, usually 

compound, with the older flowers in the center 

of each simple cluster. 

THE INDIVIDUAL FLOWER 

Flowers have four kinds of organs — sepals, petals, sta- 
mens, and pistils — symmetrically arranged around a central 
axis. All these organs may be present, or one or more may 
be absent. When all are present the flower is said to be a 
complete flower. 

The calyx is the outer floral envelop, which is more 
often green, though it is sometimes colored. It 



EXPLANATION OF TERMS 

may consist of a number of separate parts, called 
sepals, or these may be more or less united. 

The corolla is the inner floral envelop. It is usually 
colored, and forms the most beautiful feature of the 
flower, and plays an important part in attracting 
insects to it, which may carry on the work of fertili- 
zation. It may consist of a number of separate 
parts, called petals, or these may be more or less 
united, in which case the corolla is said to be 
gamopetalous. When the calyx and corolla are 
much alike, and seem like one floral circle, this is 
referred to as a perianth. 

The stamens and pistils are called the essential organs 
of a flower, because they are necessary to the ma- 
turing of the fruit. 

Perfect flowers have both sets of essential organs. 

Imperfect flowers have but one set of essential organs. 

St am in ate (or male) -flowers have only stamens. 

Pistillate (or female) flowers have only pistils. 

Neutral flowers have neither. 

Regular flowers are those in which the organs of the same 
kind are similar. 

Symmetrical flowers are those which have the same num- 
ber in each set of organs, or an even multiple of that number. 

THE STAMEN 

The stamen consists of two parts — the filament and the 
anther. The filament is the stalk of the stamen. The anther 
is the little case holding the pollen, or powdery substance, 
which, falling upon the stigma, is conducted downward into 
the ovary, where it quickens the ovules into life. The anther 
normally consists of two cells, which more often open length- 



EXPLANATION OF TERMS 

wise for the discharge of the pollen, though they sometimes 
open by terminal pores or chinks, or by uplifting lids. 

An anther is said to be — 

basifixed, when attached to the filament by its base ; 
versatile, when attached at some part only of its back 

or front, to the tip of the filament on which it 

swings freely ; 
adnate, when its cells are placed on either side of the 

top of the filament, which shows as a connective 

between them; 
extrorse, when it faces outward ; 
introrse, when it faces inward. 

Stamens sometimes undergo a morphological change, taking 
the form of scales or other bodies (as is the case in many of 
our Brodiceas), when they are called staminodia. 

THE PISTIL' 

The pistil is the organ occupying the center of the flower. 
It consists of three parts- — the ovary, or the enlarged part 
below, consisting of one or more cells or cavities, and con- 
taining the ovules, or unfertilized seed ; the style, or the 
stem which upholds the stigma ; the stigma, or the rough- 
ened portion which receives the pollen. 

The pistil is simple, when it has but one ovary, style, stigma, 
etc. ; compound, if any one of these is duplicated. The simple 
pistil, or an element of a compound pistil, is often called a 
carpel. 

THE FRUIT 

The fruit is the ripened ovary. After the ovules have been 
fertilized, the ovary is called a pericarp. Fruits may be either 
fleshy or dry. 



EXPLANATION OF TERMS 

The following are some of the principal kinds of dry 
fruits : — 

A capsule is a dry, dehiscent (splitting) fruit, com- 
posed of more than one carpel or division; 

an akene is a small, dry, hard, one-celled, one-seeded 
indehiscent fruit; 

a follicle is a pod formed from a single pistil, dehiscing 
along the ventral suture only ; 

a legume is a simple pericarp, opening by both seams ; 

a samara is a dry, indehiscent fruit, having a wing ; 

a nut is a hard, one-celled, one-seeded, indehiscent 
fruit, like an akene, but larger. 

The following are some of the principal kinds of fleshy 
fruits : — 

The pome is a fruit like an apple or pear ; 

the pepo, or gourd, is a fruit like that of the melon, 

squash, etc. ; 
the drupe is like that of the cherry, plum, and peach ; 
the berry is like that of the grape, currant, and 
tomato. 

Aggregate fruits are those in which a cluster of carpels, 
all of one flower, are crowded upon the receptacle into one 
mass ; as in the raspberry and blackberry. 



SYNOPSIS OF KEY TO FLOWERING PLANTS 

PAGE 

Stamens one xxxv 

Stamens two xxxv 

Stamens three xxxv 

Stamens four xxxvi 

Stamens five xxxviii 

Stamens six xli 

Stamens seven xliv 

Stamens eight xliv 

Stamens nine xlv 

Stamens ten xlv 

Stamens twelve xlvii 

Stamens many xlvii 

Stamens united by their filaments into one or 

more sets- 1 

Stamens united by their anthers Hi 

Stamens borne on the pistil liv 



KEY TO THE FLOWERING PLANTS 

CONTAINED IN THIS WORK 



STAMEN ONE 
Has no representative. 

(See "Stamens Borne on the Pistil," at end of key.) 



STAMENS TWO 

Leafless marsh herbs with coral-like branching stems and no con- 
spicuous flowers. Salicornia, in Chenopodiaceae. 
Plants with ordinary herbage, opposite leaves, and irregular flowers. 
Ovary entire, not divided exteriorly; two-celled; calyx four-parted. 

Veronica, 
Ovary divided into four lobes exteriorly. 
Filaments with a lateral branch. Salvia, 
Filaments without a lateral branch. 

Audibertia, in Labiatae. 



in Scrophulariaceae. 
in Labiatae. 



STAMENS THREE 

Flowers contained in involucres. Chorizanthe, 
Flowers not contained in involucres. 
Calyx and corolla both present. 
Calyx of two sepals. 

Style two-cleft. Spraguea, 

Style three-cleft. Montia, 



in Polygalaceae. 



in Portulacaceae. 
in Portulacaceae. 



Calyx-limb deciduous, of numerous plumose bristles. 

Valeriana, in Valerianaceae. 

Calyx apparently absent because of its obsolete limb; corolla rotate; 

white ; tendril-bearing vines. Echinocystis, in Cucurbitaceae. 

Calyx petaloid; corolla absent; coarse trailing vines with yellow 

flowers and gourd fruit. Cucurbita, in Cucurbitaceae. 



KEY TO THE FLOWERING PLANTS 

Stamens Three — Continued. 

Perianth petaloid, of six separate segments, or gamopetalous and six- 
lobed. 
Borne on the ovary. 

Segments similar, spreading. Sisyrinchium, in Iridaceae. 
Outer segments recurved, inner erect. 

Iris, in Iridaceae. 

Borne on the receptacle. 
Alternate segments reflexed. Scoliopus, in Liliaceae. 

Alternate segments not reflexed. 

Brodiaea, in Liliaceae. 

STAMENS FOUR 

Ovary one-celled. 

Corolla gamopetalous. 

Irregular ; bilabiate ; plants with no green herbage. 

Aphyllon, in Ericaceae. 

Regular ; plants with green herbage. 

Calyx-tube adnate to the ovary. 

Dipsacus, in Dipsaceae. 

Calyx-tube free from the ovary. 

Gentiana, in Gentianaceae. 

Corolla polypetalous ; shrubs or trees. 

Rhus, in Anacardiaceae. 

Corolla wanting; dioecious shrubs, with flowers in aments. 

Garrya, in Cornaceae. 

Ovary two-celled, 

Corolla polypetalous; petals frur ; shrubs or trees. 

_, ', , Cornus, in Cornacefe. 

Corolla gamopetalous. 

Regular. 

Swamp herbs, with large banana-like leaves ; flowers on a spadix 

surrounded by a spathe. Lysichiton, in Araceae. 

Twining parasites, without chlorophyll. 

Cuscuta, in Convolvulaceae. 

Herbs or woody plants ; square-stemmed ; with whorled leaves. 

Galium, in Rubiaceae. 

Irregular. 

Corolla spurred ; leaves alternate. 

Linaria, in Scrophulariaceae. 

Corolla only saccate or gibbous at base ; leaves mostly alternate. 

Antirrhinum, in Scrophulariaceae. 



KEY TO THE FLOWERING PLANTS 

Stamens Four — Continued. 

Corolla erect; ventricose; short; lobes five, short, one reflexed; 
a small scale in the throat in lieu of the fifth stamen. 

Scrophularia, in Scrophulariaceae. 
Corolla declined ; middle lobe of lower lip inclosing the stamens 
and style. Collinsia, in Scrophulariaceae. 

Corolla tubular ; open ; sterile filament of the fifth stamen long 
and conspicuous. Pentstemon, in Scrophulariaceae. 

Corolla funnel-form with spreading bilabiate border ; stigma di- 
lated, two-lipped. 
Herbs. Mimulus, in Scrophulariaceae. 

Shrubs or woody plants. 

Diplacus, in Scrophulariaceae. 

Corolla narrow ; lower lip very small in proportion to the upper ; 

floral bracts colored conspicuously; calyx cleft before and 

behind. Castilleia, in Scrophulariaceae. 

Corolla with lower lip large in proportion to the upper. 

Orthocarpus, in Scrophulariaceae. 
Corolla laterally compressed ; upper lip long, arched, sometimes 
beaked; lower, of three small lobes; calyx five-toothed. 
Pedicularis, in Scrophulariaceae. 

Ovary two- to four-celled. 

Shrubs or trees ; with two-seeded drupes ; style three- or four-cleft. 

Rhamnus, in Rhamnaceae. 

Shrubs with minute flowers in a head ; with style entire and much 
exserted. Cephalanthus, in Rubiaceae. 

Ovary four-celled. 

Herbs ; calyx-tube prolonged beyond the ovary ; petals four, with 

claws. Clarkia, in Onagraceae. 

Shrubs with white berries. Symphoricarpus, in Caprifoliaceae. 
Ovary four-lobed, becoming four seedlike nutlets. 

Corolla with border not conspicuously bilabiate, hairy-ringed at base 
within ; woody plants, with veiny leaves. 

Sphacele, in Labiatae. 

Corolla with bilabiate border. 
Upper lip never hooded or galeate. 

Flowers in heads. Monardella, in Labiatae. 

Flowers solitary; axillary; small; white; fragrant trailing vines. 
Micromeria, in Labiatae. 

Upper lip hooded or galeate. 

Calyx bonnet-like. Scutellaria, in Labiatae. 



KEY TO THE FLOWERING PLANTS 

Stamens Four — Continued. 

Calyx bilabiate ; filaments two-forked, one fork bearing the anther. 

Brunella, in Labiatae. 

Calyx ten-toothed. Marrubium, in Labiatae. 

Calyx almost equally five-toothed. 

Stachys, in Labiatae. 

Calyx five-cleft ; stamens spirally coiled in bud and long-exserted 
in flower. Trichostema, in Labiatae. 

STAMENS FIVE 

Pistil one. 

Corolla gamopetalous ; borne on the receptacle. 
Fruit, four nutlets. 

Ovary with four sutures, finally separating into four nutlets. 
Corolla funnel-form ; throat naked. 

Heliotropium, in Boraginaceae. 
Ovary four-parted ; nutlets ventrally adherent to the persistent 
style, three-cornered, with barbed prickles on their edges 
or all over their backs. 
Racemes mostly bracteate. Lappula, in Boraginaceae. 

Racemes mostly bractless. Cynoglossum, in Boraginaceae. 
Ovary deeply four-parted ; nutlets inserted by their ventral side 
above their base on a pyramidal disk. 
Flowers yellow. Amsinckia, in Boraginaceae. 

Flowers violet or blue. Mertensia, in Boraginaceae. 

Ovary deeply four-parted ; nutlets attached near the middle of 
their ventral face to a columnar prominence rising from a 
flat disk. Plagiobothrys, in Boraginaceae. 

Fruit a one-celled capsule with a free central placenta. 
Corolla-lobes reflexed. Dodecatheon, in Primulaceae. 

Corolla rotate with spreading lobes. 

Anagallis, in Primulaceae. 

Corolla salver-form. Primula, in Primulaceae. 

Fruit a one-celled capsule with two parietal placentae, which some- 
times meet, making it two-celled. 
Calyx with an extra reflexed lobe at each sinus. 

Nemophila, in Hydrophyllaceae. 
Calyx without extra reflexed lobes. 

Style single, undivided. Romanzoffia, in Hydrophyllaceae. 
Style two-cleft ; corolla without appendages. 

Ellisia, in Hydrophyllaceae. 



KEY TO THE FLOWERING PLANTS 

Stamens Five — Continued. 

Style from two-cleft to two-parted; corolla appendaged within 
at base by ten vertical scales ; herbs. 
Corolla deciduous; blue, white, or purple. 

Phacelia, in Hydrophyllaceae. 

Corolla withering persistent ; yellow. 

Emmenanthe, in Hydrophyllaceae. 
Styles two, with capitate stigmas ; woody herbs or shrubs. 

Eriodictyon, in Hydrophyllacese. 
Styles none or very short; stigmas two, thin, flat; funnel-form 
corolla, with plaited and toothed folds in the sinuses. 

Gentiana, in Gentianaceae. 

Fruit two- to many-celled. 

Corolla four- to five-lobed; leafless parasites, with no green 

herbage. Cuscuta, in Convolvulaceae, 

Corolla funnel- form to salver-form ; flowers pink ; anthers finally 

spirally twisted. Erythraea, in Gentianaceae. 

Corolla funnel-form; stigmas two. 

Gentiana, in Gentianaceae. 

Corolla rotate ; stigmas three ; filaments hairy at base, somewhat 

declined. Polemonium, in Polemoniaceae. 

Corolla rotate ; style and stigma one ; filaments woolly. 

Verbascum, in Scrophulariacese. 
Corolla rotate to funnel-form or salver-form ; stigmas three ; 

filaments not declined. Gilia, in Polemoniaceae. 

Corolla salver-form; stamens unequally inserted in its throat. 

Phlox, in Polemoniaceae. 

Corolla funnel-form ; plicate ; five-angled. 
Capsule smooth. 

Climbing and twining herbs. 

Convolvulus, in Convolvulaceae. 
Herbs, not climbing and twining. 

Nicotiana, in Solanaceae. 

Capsule prickly. Datura, in Solanaceae. 

Corolla campanulate ; anthers opening by terminal pores ; shrubs. 

Rhododendron, in Ericaceae. 
Corolla funnel- form, irregular ; stamens of unequal length, one 
of them sterile. Pentstemon, in Scrophulariaceae. 

Fruit a berry. 

Corolla rotate ; anthers opening by terminal pores or chinks. 

Solanum, in Solanaceae. 



KEY TO THE FLOWERING PLANTS 

Stamens Five — Continued. 

Corolla gamopetalous ; borne on the ovary. 

Fruit a capsule. 

Corolla regular, five-lobed ; stamens distinct. 

Campanula, in Campanulaceae. 

Corolla irregular, bilabiate; stamens united into a tube. 

Bolelia . T , .. 

/T ^ . x m Lobehaceae. 

(Downingia), 

Fruit a berry. 

Corolla regular; berry white. 

Symphoricarpus, in Caprif oliaceae. 
Corolla regular ; berries in flat clusters, blue ; trees. 

Sambucus, in Caprifoliaceae. 

Corolla irregular ; shrubs or woody climbers ; berries red or black. 

Lonicera, in Caprifoliaceae. 

Corolla polypetalous ; borne on the receptacle. 
Flowers regular. 
Fruit a capsule. 
Ovary one-celled. 

Style one, three-cleft ; sepals two. 
Flowers mostly red. Calandrinia, in Portulacacese. 

Flowers mostly white. Montia, in Portulacaceae. 

Styles two. Calyx five-toothed. 

Heuchera, in Saxifragaceae. 

Ovary two-celled; styles two. 

Boykinia, in Saxifragaceae. 

Ovary three-celled. Style single, three-cleft. 

Ceanothus, in Rhamnaceae. 

Ovary five-celled ; styles five. 

Linum, in Linaceae. 

Fruit consisting of five, tailed carpels, separating away from a 
central axis at maturity. 

Erodium, in Geraniaceae. 

Fruit a drupe or drupelike ; trees or shrubs. 
Ovary one-celled ; styles three. 

Rhus, in Anacardiaceae. 

Ovary two- to four-celled. Style single, short, three- or four- 
cleft. Rhamnus, in Rhamnaceae. 
Flowers irregular. 

Lower petal spurred; capsule one-celled; herbs. 

Viola, in Violaceae. 

xl 



KEY TO THE FLOWERING PLANTS 

Stamens Five — Continued. 

Petals not spurred ; fruit a large nut in a leathery pod ; trees. 

iEsculus, in Sapindaceae. 
Corolla polypetalous ; borne on the ovary. 
Flowers in racemes ; leaves lobed. Ribes, in Saxifragaceae. 

Flowers in umbels ; leaves compound. 

Aralia, in Araliaceae. 

Corolla absent; calyx petaloid and gamopetalous. 
Flowers numerous in a head subtended by several separate bracts. 

Abronia, in Nyctaginaceae. 

Flowers one to several, contained in a campanulate calyx-like in- 
volucre. Mirabilis, in Nyctaginaceae. 
Pistils two. 

Ovaries distinct at base, but united by their stigmas; corolla gamo- 
petalous; herbs with milky juice; pollen in powdery grains. 

Apocynum, in Apocynaceae. 



STAMENS SIX 

Exogenous plants ; with net-veined leaves and parts of the flowers not 
in threes. 
Ovary one-celled. 

Sepals and petals four; pod necklace-like. 

Raphanus, in Cruciferae. 
Sepals and petals six, in front of one another; fruit a berry. 
Flowers yellow ; shrubs. Berberis, in Berberidaceae. 

Flowers white; herbs. Vancouveria, in Berberidaceae. 

Sepals and petals four to nine ; fruit dry drupes ; shrubs or trees. 

Rhus, in Anacardiaceae. 

Calyx and corolla seven-parted — sometimes six- to nine-parted ; 
small herbs with simple stems, bearing at summit a whorl of 
leaves ; flowers pink. Trientalis, in Primulaceae. 

Calyx four-cleft; petals four; ovary stalked; shrubs with yellow 
flowers and bladdery pods. Isomeris, in Capparidaceae. 

Sepals two ; petals four, irregular. Dicentra, in Fumariaceae. 
Sepals six ; petals wanting ; stigmas three ; flowers without in- 
volucres. Rumex, in Polygonaceae. 
Calyx six-cleft or parted ; petaloid ; corolla wanting ; flowers con- 
tained in small involucres, one to three in each. 

Chorizanthe, in Polygonaceae. 

xli 



KEY TO THE FLOWERING PLANTS 

Stamens Six — Continued. 

Calyx and corolla both wanting; flowers minute, sunk in the axis 
of a conical spike, which is surrounded by live to eight large 
white petal-like bracts. Anemopsis, in Piperaceae. 

Ovary two-celled ; fruit a pod. 

Pod long, cylindrical, long-beaked ; flowers large, yellow. 

Brassica, in Cruciferae. 

Pod compressed; flowers purple or white. 

Arabis, in Cruciferae. 

Pod four-sided or flattened ; flowers large , pale yellow or orange. 

Erysimum, in Cruciferae. 
Pod compressed, pointed ; roots tuberiferous ; flowers large, white. 

Dentaria, in Cruciferae. 

Pod obcordate; small; many-seeded; flowers very small, white. 

Capsella, in Cruciferae. 

Pod small, roundish ; cells one- to two-seeded. 

Lepidium. in Cruciferae. 

Pod oblong-cylindrical ; seeds in two rows ; plants growing in 
water ; leaves pungent, pinnatifid ; flowers small, white. 

Nasturtium, in Cruciferae. 
Pod constricted into divisions, necklace-like ; divisions filled with 
corky pith ; flowers large, white, yellowish, or purplish. 

Raphanus, in Cruciferae. 
Endogenous plants; with parallel-veined leaves (except Trillium), and 
the flower-parts in threes. 
Fruit a capsule. 

Plants with scaly bulbs ; stems tall ; leaves mostly whorled. 
Flowers campanulate, nodding, not over two inches long; style 

three-cleft ; nectary round. Fritillaria, in Liliaceae. 

Flowers campanulate or spreading, large and showy ; style undi- 
vided ; nectary a long groove. Lilium, in Liliaceae. 
Plants with corms ; leaves radical, with a few stem-leaves in some. 
Flowers solitary or racemose, without bracts on a scape-like stem ; 

leaves two, broad. Erythronium, in Liliaceae. 

Flowers solitary on a simple stem or terminal on the branches, 
or in umbel-like clusters; without bracts; outer perianth 
segments smaller, inner larger and showy, usually bearing 
a gland at base within ; leaves linear. 

Calochortus, in Liliaceae. 
Flowers in umbels, with bracts. 

Perianth segments distinct, or nearly so. 



KEY TO THE FLOWERING PLANTS 

Stamens Six — Continued. 

Filaments with a cup-shaped appendage surrounding the 
base. Bloomeria, in Liliaceae. 

Filaments not appendaged ; leaves semi-terete. 

Muilla, in Liliaceae. 

Perianth segments united into a tube below ; filaments some- 
times winged or appendaged ; sometimes three of the sta- 
mens replaced by three staminodia. 

Brodiaea, in Liliaceae. 

Plants with coated bulbs ; perianth segments distinct ; leaves all 
radical. 
Flowers on scapes in bractless racemes, blue: 

Camassia, in Liliaceae. 

Flowers on a scape in a bractate raceme, white. 

Zygadenus, in Liliaceae. 
Flowers in a large, very loosely and widely branching panicle, 
with small scarious bracts. Chlorogalum, in Liliaceae. 

Plants with a short thick rootstock. 
Stems tall; leaves large, boat-shaped. 

Veratrum, in Liliaceae. 

Stemless plants ; leaves all radical, linear, very numerous, long 
and flexible. Xerophyllum, in Liliaceae. 

Stems simple, bearing at summit a whorl of three broad, net- 
veined leaves and a single flower. 

Trillium, in Liliaceae. 

Fruit a berry; plants with rootstocks. 

Apparently stemless, the broad leaves arising from the ground ; 
flowers crimson, on a peduncle a foot or so high; berries blue. 

Clintdnia, in Liliaceae. 

Stem simple, leafy; flowers small, in a raceme or panicle. 

Smilacina, in Liliaceae. 

Stem forked; flowers at the ends of the leafy branches under the 

leaves. Disporum, in Liliaceae. 

Fruit capsular. 

Stemless plants ; leaves serrate, swordlike, in a bristling hemisphere ; 

flower panicle tall and large, of many white waxen bells. 

„ . , Hesperoyucca, in Liliaceae. 

Fruit pulpy. 

Caudex short and covered with refracted dead leaves, or none ; 

leaves long, swordlike, thread-bearing on the margin; panicles 

very large, of many waxen white bells. 

Yucca, in Liliaceae. 

xliii 



KEY TO THE FLOWERING PLANTS 

Stamens Six — Continued. 

Trees, gaunt and straggling ; leaves rigid, crowded, sessile, linear ; 
panicles ovate, comparatively small. 

Cleistoyucca,in Liliaceae. 

STAMENS SEVEN 

Calyx seven-cleft ; corolla seven-parted. 

Trientalis, in Primulaceae. 
Calyx five-toothed ; petals four or five ; unequal ; with claws. 

iEsculus, in Sapindaceae. 
Calyx of two sepals ; corolla on the receptacle. 

Calandrinia, in Portulacaceae. 
Sepals and petals four to nine ; shrubs. 

Rhus, in Anacardiaceae. 

STAMENS EIGHT 

Corolla polypetalous. 

Ovary one-celled ; shrubs or trees. Rhus, in Anacardiaceae. 

Ovary four-celled. 

Seeds with a hairy crown. 

Calyx-tube prolonged considerably beyond the ovary; its limb 

petaloid, deciduous. Zauschneria, in Onagraceae. 

Calyx-tube not greatly prolonged. 

Epilobium, in Onagraceae. 
Seeds without a hairy crown ; naked. 

Calyx-tube prolonged beyond the ovary; lobes of its limb 
reflexed. 
Anthers versatile ; flowers yellow or white, fading to rose. 

CEnothera, in Onagraceae. 
Anthers basifixed; flowers never yellow, usually pink, some- 
times white. 
Petals with claws. Clarkia, in Onagraceae. 

Petals without claws. Godetia, in Onagraceae. 

Corolla gamopetalous. 

Borne near the summit of the ovary; anthers opening by terminal 
pores ; fruit a berry ; shrubs. Vaccinium, in Ericaceae. 

Corolla and calyx wanting; flowers sunk in the axis of a conical spike, 
surrounded by large petal-like white bracts. 

Anemopsis, in Piperaceae. 

xliv 



KEY TO THE FLOWERING PLANTS 



STAMENS NINE 

Flowers small, contained in involucres. 
Involucres campanulate, many-flowered. 

Eriogonum, in Polygonaceae. 
Involucres tubular; one- to three-flowered. 

Chorizanthe, in Polygonaceae. 
Flowers not in involucres. 

Anthers four-celled, with uplifting valves; fruit a large greenish 
or purple drupe; trees with aromatic leaves. 

Umbellularia, in Lauraceae. 
Anthers two-celled, opening lengthwise; fruit small drupes; leaves 
not aromatic ; trees or shrubs. Rhus, in Anacardiaceae. 

STAMENS TEN 

Anthers opening by terminal pores. 
Corolla polypetalous. 
Herbs. 

Flowers on a leafy stem; petals spreading widely; style short. 

Chimaphila, in Ericaceae. 
Flowers on a scape; petals concave, not spreading widely; style 
long. Pyrola, in Ericaceae. 

Shrubs with white flowers. Ledum, in Ericaceae. 

Corolla gamopetalous. 

Fruit a berry; flowers comparatively small. 
Berry red, with granular coat. Arbutus, in Ericaceae. 

Berry smooth, mostly dry and bony. 

Arctostaphylos, in Ericaceae. 
Berry black-purple, aromatic, edible ; shrubs ; leaves broad, ovate. 

Gaultheria, in Ericaceae. 

Berry black when ripe ; shrubs ; leaves lanceolate, set obliquely to 
the stems. Vaccinium, in Ericaceae. 

Fruit a capsule. 

Shrubs ; leaves broad ; flowers large. 

Rhododendron, in Ericaceae. 
Heathlike undershrubs. 
Flowers clustered. Bryanthus, in Ericaceae. 

Flowers solitary on long filiform stems. 

Cassiope, in Ericaceae. 

xlv 



KEY TO THE FLOWERING PLANTS 

Stamens Ten — Continued. 

Glandular-viscid, leafless herbs. 

Pterospora, in Ericaceae. 
Fleshy, leafless plants, with brilliant crimson flowers in a scaly- 
bracted raceme. Sarcodes, in Ericaceae. 

Anthers opening lengthwise. 

Fruit a pod; stamens distinct; flowers papilionaceous. 
Trees with simple rounded leaves. 

Cercis, in Leguminosae. 

Shrubs with spiny branchlets ; flowers magenta-colored. 

Xylothermia, in Leguminosae. 
Herbs with conspicuous stipules ; flowers yellow. 

Thermopsis, in Leguminosae. 
Fruit consisting of five carpels, separating at maturity from a cen- 
tral axis. 
Style one ; strong-scented shrubs with small two-foliolate leaves 
and distinct stipules. Larrea, in Zygophyllaceae. 

Styles five. 
Tails of carpels bearded. Erodium, in Geraniaceae. 

Tails of carpels not bearded. 

Flowers pink, white, or purple ; not yellow. 

Geranium, in Geraniaceae. 
Flowers yellow or white, or both. 

Flcerkea, in Geraniaceae. 

Fruit consisting of five carpels, united and forming a five-celled 
capsule. 
Herbs with three foliolate leaves. 

Oxalis, in Geraniaceae. 

Fruit a dried calyx-tube, containing one to three akenes. 

Heathlike shrubs, with feathery panicles of small white flowers. 

Adenostoma, in Rosaceae. 
Fruit a capsule. 

Ovary two-celled; cells tending to separate into two carpels at 
maturity. 
Leaves peltate. Peltyphyllum, in Saxifragaceae. 

Leaves not peltate. Saxifraga, in Saxifragaceae. 

Ovary and capsule one-celled. 

Flowers fringed, rose-colored ; styles two. 

Tellima, in Saxifragaceae. 

xlvi 



KEY TO THE FLOWERING PLANTS 

Stamens Ten — Continued. 

Flowers with petals cleft ; styles three. 
Joints swollen ; leaves opposite. 

Silene, in Caryophyllaceae. 

Joints not swollen ; leaves alternate. 

Lithophragma, in Saxifragaceae. 
Flowers with entire petals ; sepals two. 

Calandrinia, in Portulacaceae. 
Ovary three- to five-celled. 

Small straggling woody plants ; leaves opposite, three-ribbed ; 
flowers small, white. Whipplea, in Saxifragaceae. 

Fruit consisting of several distinct carpels. 
Herbs with fleshy leaves. 
Corolla gamopetalous. 
Leaves flat, in a rosette. Dudleya, in Crassulaceae. 

Leaves cylindrical, in tufts. 

Stylophyllum, in Crassulaceae. 
Corolla polypetalous. Sedum, in Crassulaceae. 

Fruit a small dry drupe or a berry. 

Shrubs or small trees. Rhus, in Anacardiaceae. 

STAMENS TWELVE 

Perianth three-cleft ; on the ovary. Asarum, in Aristolochiaceae. 

Petals five ; sepals two. Calandrinia, in Portulacaceae. 

Petals five ; calyx tubular, ten-ribbed. 

Adenostoma, in Rosaceae. 
Petals five ; bog plants with tubular pitchers for leaves. 

Darlingtonia, in Sarraceniaceae. 
Petals none ; calyx-tube cylindric ; fruit an akene with long feathery 
tail. Cercocarpus, in Rosaceae. 

STAMENS MANY 

Trees, shrubs, or woody plants. 
Fruit a drupe. 
Style one ; stamens indefinite. Prunus, in Rosaceae. 

Styles five ; stamens fifteen. Nuttallia, in Rosaceae. 

Fruit a berry. 

Evergreen shrubs; berries scarlet, smooth-coated, in large clusters. 

Heteromeles, in Rosaceae. 

xlvii 



KEY TO THE FLOWERING PLANTS 

Stamens Many — Continued 

Deciduous shrubs ; berries dark purple. 

Amelanchier, in Rosaceae. 
Prickly shrubs ; fruit aggregate. Rubus, in Rosaceae. 

Fruit a dry capsule. 
Flowers white. 

Minute, in large feathery panicles. 

Ovary one ; one-celled ; heathlike shrubs with short, needle- 
like leaves. Adenosloma, in Rosaceae. 
Pistils five, separate; shrubs with ordinary leaves. 

Holodiscus . ^ 

/cl . v in Rosaceae. 
(Spiraea), 

Small, in hemispherical heads. Neillia, in Rosaceae. 

Medium (i. e. an inch or less across); leaves much dissected; 

fragrant. Chamaebatia, in Rosaceae. 

Large (over an inch across), clustered; leaves opposite. 

Philadelphus, in Saxifragaceae. 

Very large ; solitary ; plants woody, with glaucous, slashed leaves. 

Romneya, in Papaveraceae. 

Flowers yellow, poppy-like. Dendromecon, in Papaveraceae. 

Flowers red, chrysanthemum-like. 

Calycanthus, in Calycanthaceae. 

Fruit a hip ; prickly shrubs, with alternate pinnate leaves. 

Rosa, in Rosaceae. 

Fruit solitary or clustered akenes with plumed tails. 

Akenes solitary; trees. Cercocarpus, in Rosaceae. 

Akenes in a head ; woody climbers. 

Clematis, in Ranunculaceae, 

Cactaceous, leafless plants, covered with spines and minute prickles. 

Shrubby, with cylindrical or flattened joints. 

Opuntia, in Cactaceae. 

Low, horrent globes. 

Plants large, ribbed ; fruit green. Echinocactus, in Cactaceae. 

Plants small ; fruit scarlet. Mamillaria, in Cactaceae. 

Bog plants ; leaves tubular pitchers. Darlingtonia, in Sarraceniaceae. 

Water-plants with large rounded leaves, usually floating on the water ; 

flowers yellow. Nuphar, in Nymphace3s. 

Terrestrial herbs. 

Oary and capsule one ; one-celled. 

Prickly; leaves lobed or divided. 

Argemone, in Papaveraceae. 

xlviii 



KEY TO THE FLOWERING PLANTS 



Stamens Many — Continued. 

Bristly ; leaves lobed or divided. 

Romneya, 
Smooth. 

Sepals united in a cap, falling in bud. 

Eschscholtzia, 
Stepals two. 

Stigma several-lobed. 
Juice yellowish. 
Juice milky. 
Style three-cleft. 
Sepals four to eight 



in Papaveraceae. 



in Papaveraceae. 



in Papaveraceae. 
in Papaveraceae. 
in Portulacaceae. 

in Portulacaceae. 

in Hypericaceae. 

in Loasaceae. 



Meconopsis, 

Papaver, 

Calandrinia, 

leaves radical. 
Lewisia, 
Sepals five ; leaves opposite ; styles two to five. 

Hypericum, 
Calyx-limb five-lobed; style three-cleft. 
Mentzelia, 
Ovaries several in a ring, splitting into separate capsules at maturity. 

Platystemon, in Papaveraceae. 

Ovary four- to twenty-celled ; fleshy herbs with opposite-angled 

leaves and edible fruit. Mesembryanthemum,in Ficoidae. 
Ovaries several or very numerous. 
Calyx five-lobed. 
Fruit a scarlet berry; flowers white. 

Fragaria, 
Fruit dry akenes ; flowers yellow. 
Potentilla, 
Calyx of separate sepals. 
Flowers regular. 

Sepals and petals both present. 

Sepals green or greenish. 

Akenes numerous, dry. 

Ranunculus, 
Carpels few, large, leathery in fruit. 
Paeonia, 
Sepals petaloid. 

Petals five, all spurred. 

Aquilegia, 
xlix 



in Rosaceae. 



in Rosaceae. 



in Ranunculaceae. 



in Ranunculaceae. 



in Ranunculaceae. 



KEY TO THE FLOWERING PLANTS 

Stamens Many — Continued. 

Sepals only present ; corolla wanting. 
Colored, petaloid. Anemone, in Ranunculaceae. 

Flowers irregular. 

Sepals and petals both present, the former colored and petaloid. 
Upper sepal prolonged into a long spur. 

Delphinium, in Ranunculaceae, 

Upper sepal arched into a helmet. 

Aconitum, in Ranunculaceae. 



STAMENS UNITED BY THEIR FILAMENTS INTO ONE 
OR MORE SETS 



in Iridaceae. 

in Geraniaceae. 

in Lobeliaceae. 
in Polygalaceae. 



United into one set. 

Stamens three. Sisyrinchium, 

Stamens five. 

Corolla polypetalous. Erodium, 

Corolla gamopetalous ; irregular. 

Bolelia, 
Stamens eight. Polygala, 

Stamens ten. 
Corolla regular. 

Anthers two-celled. 
Ovary five-celled. 

Herbs ; flowers perfect, pink. 

Oxalis, 
Shrubs.; petals none; calyx petaloid, yellow. 

Fremontodendron, in Sterculiaceae. 
Carpels five, around a central axis, splitting away from it at 
maturity. 
Stamens all fertile. Geranium, 
Alternate stamens sterile. 

Erodium, 
Anthers one-celled. 

Calyx furnished with bractlets. 
Stigmas linear; shrubs. 

Lavatera, 
Stigmas capitate; shrubs. 

Malvastrum, 
Calyx without bractlets, stigmas linear 
Sidalcea, 



in Geraniaceae. 



in Geraniaceae. 



in Geraniaceae. 



in Malvaceae. 

in Malvaceae, 
herbs. 

in Malvaceae. 



KEY TO THE FLOWERING PLANTS 

Stamens United by Their Filaments, etc. — Continued. 
Corolla irregular. 

Petals five; papilionaceous; herbs; anthers of two forms, alter- 
nately oblong and rounded. Lupinus, in Leguminosas. 
Petal only one ! Shrub or tree. Amorpha, in Leguminosae. 
United into two sets. 

Stamens six ; ovary one-celled ; flowers two-spurred. 

Dicentra, in Fumariaceae. 
Stamens eight ; ovary two-celled ; flowers irregular. 

Polygala, in Polygalaceae. 
Stamens ten. 

Trees or shrubs ; flowers with only one petal. 

Amorpha, in Leguminosae. 
Herbs. 
Anthers of two forms. Lupinus, in Leguminosae. 

Anthers uniform. 

Pod spirally coiled. Medicago, in Leguminosae. 

Pod not spirally coiled. 

Small, globular ; leaflets three. Melilotus, in Leguminosae. 
Bladdery-inflated ; leaves odd-pinnate. 

Astragalus, in Leguminosae. 
Linear, several-seeded. 

Leaves odd-pinnate, without tendrils ; flowers yellow, or 
white, or pink, never blue. 

Hosackia, in Leguminosae. 

Leaves abruptly pinnate, ending in a tendril or bristle. 

Stamen-tube oblique at top ; style hairy around and below 

the apex. Vicia, in Leguminosae. 

Stamen-tube straight at top ; style hairy only on its 

inner side. Lathyrus, in Leguminosae. 

United into many sets. 

Sepals five, distinct ; styles two to five. 

Hypericum, in Hypericaceae. 
Calyx-limb five-lobed ; style three-cleft. 

Mentzelia, in Loasaceae. 



KEY TO THE FLOWERING PLANTS 



STAMENS UNITED BY THEIR ANTHERS 

Flowers composite, i. e. borne in heads on a receptacle and surrounded 
by an involucre of bracts. 
Yellow, or mainly yellow. 

Heads composed of both ray- and disk-flowers. 
Leaves radical. 

Large, hastate, or sagittate, woolly; flower-heads large. 

Balsamorrhiza, in Compositae. 
Leaves opposite. 

Linear; heads small, one inch across. 

Baeria, in Compositae. 

Leaves all alternate. 

Heads large and solitary. 
Leaves large, cordate, on long slender petioles. 

Venegasia, in Composite. 

Leaves large, oval, about a foot long; short-petioled. 

Wyethia, in Compositae. 

Leaves smaller, ovate-lanceolate ; plants woody at base ; disk- 
flowers black-purple. Encelia, in Compositae. 
Leaves oblong or cuneate-oblong, sessile ; plants woody at 
at base ; flower-buds covered with milk-white gum. 

Grindelia, in Compositae. 

Leaves linear ; rays narrow and very numerous. 

Pentachaeta, in Compositae. 
Leaves divided into linear divisions ; rays yellow, blending 
into white at top ; disk all yellow. 

Leptosyne, in Compositae. 

Leaves pinnatifid ; rays yellow, changing sharply into white 
at tip ; stamens of disk-flowers black. 

Layia, in Compositae. 

Heads small, in flat-topped clusters. 

Eriophyllum confertiflorum, 
in Compositae. 
Heads small, in panicles. Solidago, in Compositae. 

Lower leaves sometimes opposite, the rest mainly alternate. 
Plants glandular and viscid. 
Heads large ; ray-flowers usually with some dark brown at 
base. Madia, in Compositae. 

Heads medium, or small; flowers all yellow or white. 

Hemizonia, in Compositae. 

lii 



KEY TO THE FLOWERING PLANTS 

Stamens United by Their Anthers — Continued. 
Plants not glandular-viscid. 
Very tall ; heads large, with brown centers or disk-flowers. 

Helianthus, in Compositae. 
Not very tall; heads an inch or so across; all yellow; leaves 
white-woolly. Eriophyllum arachnoideum, 

in Compositae. 
Heads composed of ray-flowers only; large. 

Leaves lanceolate, laciniate-pinnatifid ; flowers succeeded by a 
globe of down. Troximon, in Compositae. 

Leaves divided into linear divisions. 

Malacothrix Californica, 

in Compositae. 
Heads composed of tubular disk-flowers only ; small. 

Stems low, creeping, and rooting; heads smooth, like a brass 
button. Cotula, in Compositae. 

Stems low, much branched, spreading; marginal corollas con- 
spicuously enlarged into the semblance of ray-flowers. 

Lessingia Germanorum, 
Flowers white. in Compositae. 

Ray- and disk-flowers both present. 
Heads large, solitary. Erigeron, in Compositae. 

Heads medium, solitary; foliage strong-scented. 

Anthemis, in Compositae. 

Heads small, in flat-topped clusters. 

Achillea, in Compositae. 

Ray-flowers only present. Malacothrix saxatilis, 

in Compositae. 
Disk-flowers only present, these filiform; but the scales of the 
involucre resembling ray-flowers. 
Flowers yellowish-white, with fragrance resembling slippery-elm. 

Gnaphalium, in Compositae. 
Flowers pure white, with dark centers or disk-flowers. 

Anaphalis, in Compositae. 

Flowers dicecious ; fertile flowers with copious silken down at 
maturity. Baccharis, in Compositae. 

Flowers blue. 

Stems tall; juice milky; no disk-flowers, only strap-shaped ray- 
flowers. Cichorium, in Compositae. 
Flowers pink, lavender, or purple. 
Ray- and disk-flowers both present. 

liii 



KEY TO THE FLOWERING PLANTS 

Stamens United by Their Anthers — Continued. 

Rays extremely numerous. Erigeron, in Compositae. 

Rays less numerous. Aster, in Compositae. 

Disk-flowers only present. 

Stems erect, slender ; branchlets filiform. 

Lessingia, in Compositae. 

Flowers greenish, inconspicuous. 

Disk-flowers only, present ; herbs or undershrubs with bitter- 
fragrant foliage. Artemisia, in Compositae. 
Flowers not composite. 

Low plants ; flowers irregular, blue. 

Bolelia, in Lobeliaceae. 

Tall plants ; flowers irregular ; brilliant cardinal red. 

Lobelia, in Lobeliaceae. 

STAMENS BORNE ON THE PISTIL 

Anther one. 

Lip of the perianth saccate ; small plants, with one leaf and one 

pink flower. Calypso, in Orchidaceae. 

Lip saccate ; leaves radical, white-veined ; spikes many-flowered ; 

flowers white. Goodyera, in Orchidaceae. 

Lip flat, furnished with a spur. Habenaria, in Orchidaceae. 

Lip not spurred; entire plant white and colorless! 

Cephalanthera, in Orchidaceae. 
Lip not spurred, but bent abruptly upon itself. 

Epipactis, in Orchidaceae. 

Lip not spurred or bent abruptly, adnate to the column ; leafless herbs, 

without chlorophyll. Coralorrhiza, in Orchidaceae. 

Lip embracing the column with its base, perianth oblique; flowers 
in a spirally twisted spike. Spiranthes, in Orchidaceae. 

Anthers two. 

Lip a pouch or pocket. ' Cypripedium, in Orchidaceae. 

Anthers five. 

Herbs with milky juice ; ovaries two ; pollen in waxy masses ; a hooded 

appendage (nectary) behind each anther; seeds with silky down. 

Appendages horned. Asclepias, in Asclepiadaceae. 

Appendages not horned. Gomphocarpus, in Asclepiadaceae. 

Anthers six. 

Twining, woody plants, with curious pouched flowers ; appearing 
before the large cordate leaves. 

Aristolochia, in Aristolochiacese. 

liv 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

REPRESENTED IN THIS WORK 

ORDER I. 

Ranunculaceae. Buttercup or Crowfoot Family. 

Herbaceous or somewhat shrubby plants. Leaves. — Various — no 
stipules. Sepals, petals, stamens, and pistils. — All distinct and free. 
Sepals. — Four or more ; often colored, and petal-like. Petals. — Equaling 
the number of sepals and alternating with them when present. Stamens. 
— Numerous ; on the receptacle at base of pistils. Pistils. — One to many. 
Ovaries. — Superior. Fruit. — Akenes, or follicles. 

An order comprising over thirty genera, widely distributed 
over the world. Many are beautiful and are cultivated for 
ornament, and some are medicinal. 

Of our thirteen genera, the most important are Clematis, 
Ranunculus, Anemone, Aquilegia, Delphinium, Aconituni, 
Pcconia, etc. 

ORDER II. 

Berberidaceae. Barberry Family. 

Herbs or shrubs. Leaves. — Mostly alternate ; compound ; without 
stipules. Flowers. — Perfect, with organs distinct ; remarkable for having 
the six sepals, petals, and stamens before each other, instead of alter- 
nating. Sepals. — Usually colored. Anthers. — Two; opening by uplift- 
ing valves. Pistil. — One ; simple. Ovary. — One-celled ; superior. Style. 
— Short, or none. 

A small order of a dozen genera chiefly of temperate regions 
of the Northern Hemisphere. 

Berberis, the barberry, is the only genus having many species. 
Podophyllum, a medicinal plant, of the Atlantic States belongs 
here. 

We have three genera, the most important of which are 
Berberis and Vancoiweria. 

lv 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

ORDER III. 

Nymphaceas. Water-lily Family. 

Aquatic perennial herbs, with horizontal rootstocks and sometimes 
tubers. Leaves. — Peltate or deeply cordate. Flowers. — Solitary on 
long peduncles. Sepals, petals, and stamens. — Indefinite, mostly numer- 
ous. < Pistils. — Several, or one and many-celled and many-seeded. 
Ovary or ovaries. — Superior. 

This order, which is of wide distribution, contains in eight 
genera the water-lilies and their relatives, the water-shields, 
and the Indian lotus. 

There are no true water-lilies west of the Mississippi region, 
but we have here in California the so-called common yellow 
pond-lily, Nuphar. 

We have but two genera in this order, of which Nuphar 
is the more important. 

ORDER IV. 

Sarraceniaceae. Pitcher-plant Family. 

Bog plants, with pitcher-shaped or tubular and hooded leaves. 
Flowers. — Solitary on long peduncles. Sepals and petlas. — Five. Sta- 
mens. — Many. Ovary. — Superior ; five-celled. Style. — Five-lobed. 

A small order of only three genera, viz. : — Sarracenia, of the 
Atlantic States, containing several species ; Heliamphora, a 
little-known genus of the mountains of Guiana; and Darling- 
tonia, with its one species — our wonderful California pitcher- 
plant. 

ORDER V. 

Papaveraceae. Poppy Family. 

Herbaceous, or, in one or two cases, shrubby plants, usually with 
milky or yellow juice and narcotic or acrid properties. Leaves. — Mostly 
alternate ; without stipules ; entire or divided. Flozvcrs. — Perfect ; 
usually solitary and nodding in the bud. Sepals. — Two or three ; 
caducous. Petals. — Twice as many. Stamens. — Indefinite ; numerous. 
Ovary. — Superior; one-celled (except in Romneya, where it is several- 
celled). Stigmas one to several. Fruit. — A capsule. 

An order of about seventeen genera and one hundred and 
thirty species mostly inhabiting the temperate and warm parts 

lvi 



PLAXT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

of the Xorthern Hemisphere. Many have very showy orna- 
mental flowers. The opium of commerce is derived from 
the milk}- juice of the poppy. 

Of our eight genera, the most important are Platystemon, 
Romneya, Argemone, Meconopsis, Dendromccon, and Esch- 
scholtzia. 

ORDER VI. 

Fumariaceas. Bleeding-heart or Fumitory Family. 

Tender perennial herbs. Leaves. — Alternate ; dissected ; compound. 
Flowers. — Irregular. Sepals. — Two. Petals. — Four, in dissimilar pairs. 
Stamens. — Six. Ovary. — Superior; one-celled; several- to many-seeded. 

A small order of six genera, which by some botanists has 
been united to Papaveraceje. 

Dicentra is the best known genus. D. spectabilis, of north- 
ern China, is the beautiful, showy bleeding-heart of our gar- 
dens. The more important of our two Californian genera is 
Dicentra. 

ORDER VII. 

Cruciferae. Mustapo Family. 

Herbs. Leazes. — Alternate; without stipules. Flowers. — Usually in 

racemes. Sepals. — Four. Petals. — Four; usually with spreading blade 
and narrowed base or claw; the blades spreading to form a cross 
Stamens. — Six. Ozary. — Superior; two-celled (rarely one-celled). 
Style one. and simple ; or none. Stigma entire or two-lobed. Fruit. — 
A capsule whose two cells split at maturity- away from a central 
partition. 

A large family, containing upwards of one hundred and 
seventy-five genera and between one and two thousand species ; 
distributed all over the world. It contains a number of our 
common food plants, such as the cabbage. Brussels sprouts, 
turnip, radish, horseradish, mustard, etc. 

We have about thirty- genera, of which the most important 
are Dentaria, Arabis, Erysimum, Brassica, Capsclla, Raphanus, 
and Xasturtium. 

lvii 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

ORDER VIII. 

Capparidaceae. Caper Family. 

Herbs or shrubs. Leaves. — Alternate ; simple or palmately com- 
pound. Flowers. — Perfect. Sepals or lobes of the calyx. — Four. Petals. 
— Four; clawed. Stamens. — Six (or sometimes numerous). Ovary. — 
One- or two-celled, usually raised on a stalk. 

Aii order of twenty-four genera of warm temperate or 
tropical regions, closely related to Crucifer^:. The caper plant 
is the best known representative of the order. We have in 
the West six genera, all belonging to the dry interior regions 
save one, Isomeris, which is found upon the Coast, and is also 
our best-known genus. 

ORDER IX. 

Violaceas. Violet Family. 

With us low herbs. Leaves. — Alternate or radical; stipulate; simple 
or lobed or parted. Flowers. — Irregular. Sepals. — Five. Petals. — 
Five; one of them spurred. Stamens. — Five. Anthers connivent over 
the pistil. Ovary. — Superior; one-celled. Style club-shaped. Stigma 
one-sided. Fruit. — A capsule. 

An order of twenty-five genera, most of which are tropical 
shrubs. The best-known genus of the order, however, Viola, 
has a number of species, found in Europe, Siberia, and North 
America, and furnishes us with the delightful violet of the 
garden, lately brought to such perfection under cultivation, as 
well as many charming wild species. 

Viola is our only ge'nus. 

ORDER X. 
Polygalaceae. Milkwort Family. 

Herbs or shrubs. Leaves. — Alternate; simple; entire; without 
stipules. Flowers. — Apparently papilionaceous, but not truly so ; very 
irregular. Sepal:. — Five; the two lateral larger, petaloid, winglike. 
Petals. — Three or five. Stamens. — Six to eight, coherent in one or 
two sets and with the petals. Anthers one-celled, opening at top. 

lviii 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

Ovary. — Superior; two-celled; two-seeded. Fruit. — A capsule, nar- 
rowly winged. 

A peculiar order, whose flowers superficially resemble those 
of the pea. It comprises fifteen genera, scattered throughout 
temperate and warm climates. 

The type genus, Poly gala, is the only one in our country 
well known. 

ORDER XL 

Caryophyllaceas. Pink Family. 

Herbs, usually with swollen joints. Leaves. — Opposite. Flowers.-* 
Perfect ; regular. Sepals. — Distinct, and four or five ; or united, and 
four- or five-lobed. Petals. — Distinct ; four or five ; sometimes wanting. 
Stamens. — Ten or fewer. Ovary. — Superior ; one-celled. Styles two 
to five. Fruit. — A capsule. 

A large order of thirty-five or more genera, containing 
upward of a thousand species, distributed all over the world, 
but more abundantly in temperate and cold regions. Many are 
very beautiful, and are cultivated in our gardens, the most 
familiar being the pink. The order is more largely represented 
in western than in eastern North America. To it belong the 
chickweed, the sand-spurry, the sandwort, etc. 

Our most important genus is Silene, of which we have 
nearly twenty species. We have eight other genera. 

ORDER XII. 

Portulacaceae. Purslane Family. 

Herbs. Leaves. — Simple ; entire ; opposite, alternate, or radical. 
Sepals. — Two (except in Lewisia). Petals. — Two to five or more; 
sometimes united at base. Stamens. — Few or many. Ovary. — Superior; 
one-celled. Style two- to three-cleft. Fruit. — A capsule. 

An order of fifteen genera, the greater part American, widely 
distributed over the world. The most familiar flower to most 
people is the common portulaca of the garden. 

We have seven genera, most important of which are Calan- 
drinia, Montia, Spraguea, and Lewisia. 

lix 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

ORDER XIII. 

Hypericaceae. St. John's-wort Family. 

Herbs or shrubs. Leaves. — Opposite ; entire ; punctate with trans- 
lucent or dark-colored, glandular dots. Flowers. — Yellow ; in cymes. 
Sepuls and petals. — Four or five. Stamens. — Numerous, in three sets. 
Ovary. — Superior; three-celled. Styles three. Fruit. — A capsule. 

A small order, widely dispersed, of which the largest genus 
is Hypericum, or St. John's-wort, our only Californian genus. 

ORDER XIV. 

Malvaceae. Mallow Family. 

Herbs or shrubs with mucilaginous juice. Leaves. — Alternate; with 
stipules ; usually palmately ribbed. Calyx. — Five-parted ; sometimes 
having an extra calyx or whorl of bractlets. Petals. — Five ; persistent ; 
their bases united with each other and with the column of stamens. 
Stamens. — Numerous; united in a column. Anthers one-celled. Ovaries. 
— Superior, and either a number of ovaries in a ring around a projec- 
tion of the receptacle, from which they separate at maturity, or one 
single ovary, three- to ten-celled. Styles united into one, at least 
at base. 

A rather large order, distributed widely over the world. 
From the root of Althcea officinalis is obtained a mucilaginous 
substance used in the manufacture of marsh-mallows. This 
order also furnishes the highly important cotton-plant of com- 
merce, Gossypium. 

Of our eight genera, the best known are Lavatera, Malva, 
Sidalcea, and Malvasirum. 



ORDER XV. 

Sterculiaceae. Sterculia Family. 

A tropical order of shrubs and trees, closely related to Mal- 
vaceae, but chiefly distinguished by their two-celled anthers. 
Our only genus is Fremontodendron, formerly Fremontia. 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

ORDER XVI. 

Linaceae. Flax Family. 

Herbs. Leaves. — Simple ; entire ; alternate or opposite. Flowers.— 
Regular. Sepals, petals, and stamens. — Five. Petals. — Rolled up in 
the bud. Ovary. — Superior; four- to ten-celled. Styles two to five. 

A small order, whose only important representative in tem- 
perate regions is the common flax, Linnm. 
Linum is our only genus. 

ORDER XVII. 

Zygophyllacese. Creosote-bush or Bean Caper Family. 

Herbs, shrubs, or trees. Leaves. — Opposite ; mostly compound ; stipu- 
late. Flowers. — Solitary ; perfect ; regular ; with their parts in fives, 
or rarely fours. Sepals. — Distinct or nearly so. Stamens. — In ours 
twice as many as the petals and inserted with them in two sets. Fila- 
ments distinct or nearly so ; often with a scale on the inner side. 
Ovary. — Superior ; with two to five carpels ; or sometimes with twice 
as many cells. Style one. Stigma five- to ten-lobed. Fruit. — Dry. 

An order chiefly tropical, containing about eighteen genera. 
They are mostly shrubs, or herbs with a woody base, whose 
wood is remarkable for its hardness. Their divaricate branches 
are jointed at their nodes. The guaiacum-tree furnishes the 
lignum vitse of commerce, also gum guaiacum. 

"Some of the family are so abundant in the Egyptian desert 
as to constitute a characteristic feature of its vegetation." 

We have three genera in California, only one of which, 
Larrca, is wide-spread or well known. 

ORDER XVIII. 

Geraniaceas. Geranium Family. 

Herbaceous plants or shrubs (ours all herbs), usually with swollen 
joints. Leaves. — Often with stipules; toothed, lobed or compound. 
Flowers. — Perfect ; on axillary peduncles ; regular or irregular, but 
generally symmetrical ; with their parts in fives. Stamens. — Mostly in 
two sets, those alternate with the petals sometimes sterile. Filaments 

lxi 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

often either dilated or united in one set at the base. Ovary. — Superior ; 
three- to five-lobed and -celled, with a central axis. 

An order of four genera, but about five hundred species ; 
of wide distribution. It is specially characterized by the ar- 
rangement of the carpels around a central axis with long 
beak. Many have showy and handsome flowers and are culti- 
vated, such as the numerous geraniums and pelargoniums. 

In California our only genera are Genanium, Er odium, 
Flocrkca, and Ox alls. 

ORDER XIX. 

Rhamnaceae. Buckthorn Family. 

Shrubs or small trees. Leaves. — Simple with small often caducous 
stipules. Flowers. — Regular ; small. Calyx. — Four- or five-lobed. 
Petals. — Four or five or sometimes wanting. Stamens. — Equaling the 
number of petals and opposite them. Ovary. — Two- to four-celled ; 
either free or adnate to the base of the calyx. Style or stigma two- to 
four-lobed. Fruit. — Berry-like, or drupelike, or dry. 

An order of between thirty and forty genera and four or 
five hundred species, widely distributed over the world. From 
certain of our species of Rhamnus is manufactured the famous 
cascara sagrada, and from a certain species of Zizyphus is 
obtained the basis of jujube paste. 

Our most important genera are Rhamnus and Ceanothus, 
although we have three others. 



l te J 



ORDER XX. 
Sapindaceae. Maple Family. 

This order comprises plants of widely different characters 
arranged under several sub-orders, — Sapindace.e proper, Ace- 
rinje, and Staph ylace^,. — which by some authorities have 
been considered as separate orders. It is therefore difficult to 
describe it as a whole. 

As, of our five genera, TEsculus is the only one given in 
this work, the sub-order to which it belongs will be described. 

lxii 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

Sapindace^e proper. 

Leaves. — Alternate, sometimes opposite ; without stipules ; mostly 
compound. Flowers. — Polygamous, — i. e. having both perfect and uni- 
sexual flowers upon the same plant ; irregular and unsymmetrical. 
Sepals and petals. — Four or five. Stamens. — Five to ten. Ovary — 
Superior ; two- to three-celled, with one or two ovules in each cell. 
Fruit. — In JEsculus a leathery pod. 

To the order, as a whole, belong the maple and the box-elder 
(under Acerin^e), and the buckeye and horse-chestnut (under 
Sapindace^e). 

ORDER XXL 

Anacardiaceae. Poison-oak or Sumach Family. 

Shrubs or trees with a resinous and usually acrid juice. Leaves — 
Alternate ; simple or compound ; without stipules. Flowers. — Small ; 
regular, with their parts mostly in fives ; commonly polygamous or 
dioecious. Ovary. — Superior ; one-celled and one-ovuled. Styles often 
three. Fruit. — Drupaceous. 

This is a large order of nearly fifty genera and four or five 
hundred species. 

The pistachio-nut is the product of Pistacia vera; the 
cashew-nut, and the pepper-tree cultivated in the South — 
Schinus Molle — belong here ; also various species of Rhus, 
from which the wonderful Japanese lacquers are made. 

Our only genus is Rhus. 

ORDER XXII. 

Leguminosae. Pea Family. 

The order Leguminosje is divided into three well-marked 

sub-orders — the Pea family proper, the Brasiletto family, and 

the Mimosa family. But as all our genera, save Cercis, fall 

under the first, we shall describe that only. 

Papilionace.e. Pea Family proper. 

Herbs, shrubs, or trees. Leaves. — Usually alternate ; compound ; 
with stipules ; the latter sometimes transformed into thorns or tendrils. 
Flozvers. — Seldom solitary; usually in spikes, racemes, or umbels. 
Calyx. — Five-toothed; often bilabiate. Corolla. — Irregular; of five 

lxiii 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

petals ; papilionaceous — i. e. the two lower petals more or less cohe- 
rent, forming the keel; the two lateral ones often adherent to the keel, 
called the wings; the upper petal called the standard or banner. Sta- 
mens and pistil inclosed in the keel. Stamens. — Ten; their filaments 
either coherent into a tube surrounding the pistil ; or nine of them 
united into a sheath, open above, the tenth lying in front of the cleft ; 
or rarely all distinct. Ovary. — Superior ; one-celled. Style. — Simple 
and incurved. Stigma. — Simple. Fruit. — A two-valved pod, of which 
the garden pea is typical. 

The Pea family, including its three sub-orders, is one of the 
most important plant-families known. It is distributed over 
almost the entire world, and furnishes some of the most valu- 
able products to man. The Judas-tree, the numerous acacias, 
and the sweet-pea, are well known in our gardens ; while 
among our most valuable vegetables are the bean, the pea, and 
the lentil. The clover and alfalfa are extremely important 
forage plants. 

The order furnishes several important timber-trees, in dif- 
ferent parts of the world, such as the rosewood, the laburnum, 
and the locust ; and yields numerous products of economic 
importance, such as licorice, senna, gum Senegal, gum Arabic, 
gum tragacanth, balsam of copaiba, balsam of Tolu, indigo, 
logwood, red sandalwood, etc. 

In California we have twenty-one genera, the most important 
of which are Thermopsis, Xylothermia, Amorpha, Lupiniis, 
Melilotus, Mcdicago, Hosackia (Lotas), Astragalus, Vicia, 
Lathyrus, Cercis, etc. 

ORDER XXIII. 
Rosaceae. Rose Family. 

Herbs, shrubs, or trees. Leaves. — Alternate ; usually with stipules ; 
simple or compound. Flowers. — Regular ; mostly with their parts in 
lives ; red, white, or yellow, never blue. Calyx. — Sometimes coherent 
with the carpels. Stamens. — Usually numerous. Pistils. — One to many; 
distinct and separate ; or one with an inferior, one- to several-celled 
ovary. 

A large order, comprising over seventy genera and a thou- 
sand species. It is distributed over the temperate regions and 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

extends into the tropics, but its chief home is the north tem- 
perate zone. It contains many of our best fruits, such as 
the apple, pear, peach, plum, cherry, apricot, strawberry, rasp- 
berry, and blackberry ; also many of our commonest ornamental 
shrubs, chief among which is the garden rose, which has been 
brought to such a wondrous perfection through centuries of 
cultivation. The Quillaia saponaria of the tropics yields the 
soap-bark of commerce. 

Of our twenty-eight genera, the chief are Primus, Nuttallia, 
Holodiscus (or Spircca), Neillia, Rubus, Chamcebatia, Cer co- 
car pus, Fragaria, Potcntilla, Adenostoma, Rosa, Heteromclcs, 
Amelanchier, etc. 

ORDER XXIV. 

Calycanthaceae. Sweet-shrub Family. 

Aromatic shrubs. Leaves. — Opposite ; entire ; without stipules. Sepals, 
petals, and stamens. — Indefinite and passing into one another; all 
coalescent below into a cup bearing on its inner surface numerous simple 
pistils, becoming akenes in fruit. 

An order of two genera only — our Calycanthus, comprising 
in North America three species, and the Japanese genus, 
C him on an thus, having but one species. 

ORDER XXV. 

Saxifragaceae. Saxifrage Family. 

Herbs, shrubs, or sometimes small trees. Leaves. — Mostly alternate 
or radical ; without stipules. Flowers. — With parts in fives. Petals. — 
Distinct. Stamens. — Usually definite, not more than twice the number 
of calyx-lobes. Pistils. — Two to five, mostly united into a componnd 
ovary, mainly superior. Styles inclined to be distinct. Fruit. — A 
capsule. 

A large order of eighty-seven or more gene~a. '•.o"* lining 
five or six hundred species. It is mainly of the cooler regions 
of the world, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere. Of 
this order are the currant and gooseberry, also many orna- 

lxv 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

mental flowers of our gardens, such as the Hydrangea, Deutzia, 
Philadelphia, Heuchera, and Saxifraga. 

We have thirteen genera, the most important of which are 
Saxifraga, Boykinia, Lithophragma, Tellima, Heuchera, Phila- 
delphus, Whip plea, and Ribcs. 

ORDER XXVI. 
Crassulaceae. Stonecrop or Orpine Family. 

Succulent or fleshy plants. Flowers. — Regular ; with the sepals, petals, 
stamens, and pistils all distinct and of the same number, three to 
twelve (or the stamens twice as many). Carpels. — Becoming follicles 
in fruit. 

An order of about a dozen genera and over four hundred 
species, mostly inhabitants of temperate regions, and growing 
in hot, dry, exposed places. The order is not of any special 
economic importance, but some of its species are cultivated 
for their showy flowers or for their ornamental foliage, which 
is valuable for bedding purposes. South Africa is specially 
rich in species, and our western coast of North America has 
quite a number. 

Of our four genera, the most important are Dudley a and 
Stylo phyllum (both formerly included in Cotyledon), and 
Sedum. 

ORDER XXVII. 

Onagraceae. Evening-Primrose Family. 

Herbs, or, in warmer regions, one or two genera of shrubs. Leaves. 
— Alternate or opposite ; without stipules ; usually simple, though some- 
times lobed or divided. Flowers. — Perfect ; regular ; their parts mostly 
in fours. Calyx-tube. — Adnate to the ovary; its free border lobed and 
often colored. Stamens. — As many or twice as many as the petals. 
Ovary. — Inferior ; having as many cells as there are petals. Style 
single. Stigma capitate, or with as many lobes as there are ovary-cells. 

Aii order containing over three hundred species in about 
thirty genera, widely distributed over the temperate regions 
of the world, although North America is richer in them than 
any other region. Some of the species are cultivated for their 

lxvi 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

beautiful flowers, the most familiar example being the garden 
fuchsia. Many Oenotheras open their flowers at night, and 
so are known as "evening primroses." We have many beau- 
tiful flowers in this order native to California. 

We have fourteen genera, the most important of which are 
Zmischneria, Epilobium, Oenothera, Godctia, and Clarkia. 

ORDER XXVIII. 

Loasaceae. Blazing-Star or Loasa Family. 

Herbaceous plants with either stinging or jointed and rough-barbed 
hairs. Leaves. — Opposite or alternate; without stipules ; more or less 
divided. Flozvers. — Solitary, on axillary peduncles. Calyx. — Adherent 
to the inferior one-celled ovary ; its border four- or five-parted. Petals. 
— Five or ten. Stamens. — Numerous. Style single. 

An order chiefly American, comprising about a dozen genera 
with over a hundred species, some of which are cultivated for 
their ornamental flowers. 

Our most important genus is Mentzelia, though we have two 
others. 

ORDER XXIX. 

Cucurbitaceae. Gourd Family. 

Herbs, mostly tendril-bearing and climbing. Leaves. — Alternate ; 
palmately veined or lobed ; without stipules. Flowers. — Monoecious or 
dioecious. Petals. — Commonly merged with the calyx and united into a 
perianth which is several-lobed. Sterile flowers. — Having two two- 
celled anthers and one one-celled ; the cells usually long and contorted. 
Fertile flozvers. — Having the calyx-tube adnate to a one- to three- 
celled ovary. Stigma lobed or parted. 

A large order of eighty genera and six hundred species ; 
widely distributed over the world, mainly in warm regions. 
Familiar to every one are the melon, watermelon, cucumber, 
pumpkin, squash, and gourd. The roots of many species, as 
well as the fleshy fruits of some, are strong purgatives. 

Of our three genera, the most important are Cucurbit a and 
E ch in o cystis ( Mega rrhiza ) . 

lxvii 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

ORDER XXX. 
Cactaceae. Cactus Family. 

Fleshy, leafless plants of peculiar aspect ; globular or columnar ; 
ribbed or jointed; usually armed with bundles of spines. Flozvers. — 
Often showy and beautiful. Sepals, petals, and stamens. — Numerous; 
their cohering bases united with the walls of the inferior, one-celled 
ovary. Style one, with several stigmas. Fruit. — Pulpy, or rarely a 
dry berry. 

An order exclusively American, having a great many species 
contained in fifteen or twenty genera. The species are in- 
habiters of hot, dry regions, where they are able to subsist 
because of the imperfect evaporating pores of their skin, which 
enables them to conserve their moisture. They are interesting 
plants, largely cultivated in gardens, and many of them have 
very beautiful flowers. Some of them furnish forage for ani- 
mals in regions otherwise barren of vegetation. 

ORDER XXXI. 

Ficoideae. Fig-Marigold Family. 

Fleshy, succulent plants. Leaves. — Mostly opposite ; without stipules. 
Calyx. — Five-lobed. Petals.— Numerous. Stamens. — Numerous. Ovary. 
— Inferior ; two- to many-celled. 

A small order, mainly tropical and sub-tropical, of the Old 
World. Its species are most abundant in the hot sandy plains 
of the Cape of Good Hope. The leaves and seeds of some 
species are used as food by the natives of the countries of 
their growth, and a few others have some slight economic 
uses. We have one' or two insignificant native genera and 
one supposedly introduced. Two species of the latter, Mesem- 
bryanthemum, are found abundantly on our seashore. 

ORDER XXXII. 

Umbelliferas. Parsley Family. 

Herbs with usually hollow stems. Leaves. — Mainly alternate and 
compound ; with the base of the petiole sheathing the stem. Flozvers. — 
Small; in umbels (generally compound umbels). Calyx. — Adnate to 

lxviii 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

the ovary. Petals. — Five. Stamens. — Five. Ovary. — Inferior ; two- 
celled. Styles two. Fruit. — Splitting into a pair of dry carpels. 

A large order of about two hundred genera and over a thou- 
sand species, distributed all over the world, but most abundant 
in warm or temperate regions. Many are poisonous, such as the 
hemlock and water-hemlock. Among useful garden vegetables 
are the parsnip, carrot, and celery. The pleasant-flavored dill, 
fennel, caraway, and anise also belong to this order. 

As this is a very difficult order for the amateur botanist, 
it has seemed best to omit from this work the plants belonging 
to it, and the student is advised to consult the regular syste- 
matic botanies for them. 

ORDER XXXIII. 

Araliaceae. Ginseng Family. 

Resembling Umbellifer^:, but differing in having the stems often 
woody, the umbels not regularly compound, the styles and carpels more 
than two, and the fruit fleshy (berry-like or drupelike). 

An order of twenty-one genera and one hundred species, 
inhabiters of tropical and sub-tropical regions. Many plants 
of the order are medicinal and yield various drugs, prominent 
among which is the famous ginseng, so highly prized by the 
Chinese. The common English ivy of our gardens belongs to 
this order. 

We have in California but one genus, Aralia (spikenard), 
containing only one species. 

ORDER XXXIV. 

Cornaceas. Dogwood Family. 

Trees or shrubs, rarely herbs. Leaves. — Simple ; entire ; mainly op- 
posite ; without stipules. Flowers. — Perfect and cymose ; or dioecious 
and in aments or catkins ; with parts in fours or fives. Calyx. — Ad- 
nate to the one- or two-celled, inferior ovary. Petals. — Distinct. Sta- 
mens. — Four. Style and stigma simple. Fruit. — A berry. 

An order of a dozen or so genera and something less than 
a hundred species, makily of the temperate regions of the 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

world. Many species are cultivated for ornament, and the 
bark of some has the properties of quinine. 
Our only genera are Cornus and Garrya. 

ORDER XXXV. 
Caprifoliaceae. Honeysuckle Family. 

Shrubs, rarely herbs. Leaves. — Opposite ; without stipules. Calyx. — 
Four- to five-cleft. Corolla. — Gamopetalous ; four- to five-cleft; some- 
times irregular. Stamens. — Four or five; distinct. Ovary. — Inferior; 
two- to five-celled (sometimes one-celled). Style one. Stigmas three 
or five. 

An order of about a dozen genera and two hundred species, 
mainly of the north temperate zone. It is of small economic 
importance, but gives us the honeysuckles and some other 
plants for ornamental cultivation. 

Our more important genera are Sambucus, Symplwricarpus, 
and Lonicera. 

ORDER XXXVI. 

Rubiaceae. Madder Family. 

Herbs or shrubs (or in the tropics trees). Leaves. — Opposite, with 
stipules; or whorled, without stipules. Flozvers. — Perfect. Calyx and 
corolla. — Four- to five-lobed or toothed ; the limb of the calyx some- 
times obsolete. . Stamens. — As many as the corolla-lobes. Ovary. — 
Inferior ; two- to five-celled. Style. — One ; entire or cleft. 

One of the largest orders of flowering plants, having up- 
wards of four thousand five hundred species contained in 
three hundred and seventy-three genera. Its representatives 
are mostly tropical, though a few are of the temperate zones. 
The order is of great economic importance, and yields many 
valuable products, largely medicinal, among them quinine. Of 
it is the coffee-plant, also the madder-plant, which yields a 
number of rich dyes. The Gardenias and Bouvardias of our 
gardens also belong here. 

We have only three genera, the most important of which 
are Cephalanthus and Galium. 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

ORDER XXXVII. 

Valerianaceae. Valerian Family. 

Herbs. Leaves. — Opposite; without stipules. Flowers. — Perfect or 
dioecious. Calyx-tube. — Consolidated with the inferior ovary ; its limb 
sometimes obsolete, sometimes composed of teeth, chaff, or bristles. 
Corolla. — Tubular or funnel- form ; often irregular; its limb three- to 
five-cleft. Ovary.— Three-celled, with only one perfect cell. Style 
filiform. Stigmas one to three. Fruit. — A dry akene. 

An order of nine genera and three hundred species, mainly 
of the temperate and frigid zones ; of small economic import- 
ance. The drug valerian is the product of one species. 

We have two srenera, of which Valeriana is best known. 



&* 



ORDER XXXVIII. 

Dipsaceag. Teasel Family. 

Leaves. — Opposite, or whorled ; without stipules. Flowers. — In dense 
heads surrounded by an involucre. Each flower inclosed in a special, 
scarious, small calyx-like involucel. Calyx. — With tube adherent to 
the ovary, and border pappus-like, of bristles. Corolla. — Inserted in 
the throat of the calyx ; tubular, with somewhat irregular, four- to 
five-parted limb. Stamens. — Four; alternate with the corolla-lobes, 
distinct. Ovary. — Inferior ; one-celled. Style one, simple. Fruit. — Dry; 
indehiscent. 

An order of six genera and one hundred and fifty species, 
all natives of temperate regions of the Eastern Hemisphere, 
and of very small importance. The order is closely allied to 
Composite, from which it differs mainly in its distinct stamens. 
The scabiosa of our gardens and the common teasel are its 
best-known plants. 

We have no native genera, our only representative being 
the introduced teasel (Dipsacus). 

ORDER XXXIX. 

Composite. Composite Family. 

Herbs, rarely shrubs. Leaves. — Usually alternate; without stipules. 
Flowers. — In a close head on a common receptacle, surrounded by an 
involucre, whose divisions are called scales or bracts. Calyx-tube. — 
Adnate to the one-celled ovary; its limb (called a pappus) crowning 

lxxi 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

its summit in the form of bristles, awns, scales, teeth, etc. ; or cup- 
shaped ; or else entirely absent. Corolla. — Either strap-shaped or 
tubular; in the latter chiefly live-lobed. Stamens. — Five (rarely four) ; 
on the corolla ; their anthers united in a tube. Style. — Two-cleft at the 
apex. Ovary. — Inferior; one-celled. Fruit. — An akene. Flowers with 
strap-shaped corollas are called ray-flowers or rays. The tubular flowers 
compose the disk. 

The Composite family is the largest of all plant families, 
numbering twelve thousand species and upward, and is widely 
distributed over the world. 

In the cooler regions the plants are mostly herbaceous, but 
toward the tropics they gradually become shrubs, and even 
trees. In North America they comprise about one-sixth of 
all the flowering plants. 

For so large a family there are comparatively few useful 
plants found in it. Among the products of the order may be 
mentioned chicory, lettuce, the artichoke, the vegetable oyster, 
arnica, chamomile-flowers, wormwood, absinth, elecampane, 
coltsfoot, taraxacum, oil of tansy, etc. But our gardens owe 
to this family innumerable beautiful and showy plants — such 
as the China aster, chrysanthemum, cosmos, zinnia, dahlia, 
ageratum, gaillardia, coreopsis, sunflower, etc. 

The plants of this family are quickly recognized by the 
flowers being always borne in a head and surrounded by an 
involucre, and presenting the appearance of a single flower. 
The heads are sometimes made up entirely of one kind of 
flower. The dandelion and the chicory are examples of a head 
made up entirely of ray-flowers, while in the thistle the head 
consists of tubular flowers only. The more common arrange- 
ment, however, is the mixed one, comprising both tubular disk- 
flowers and strap-shaped rays, as in the daisy. The seeds are 
usually furnished with silken down or a delicate parachute 
to waft them abroad. 

The identification of the flowers of this order is a very diffi- 
cult matter, even for experienced botanists. 

Our most important genera are Grindelia, Pcntachccta, Les- 

Ixxii 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

singia, Solidago, Aster, Erigeron, Baccharis, Anaphalis, Gna- 
phalinm, Balsamorrhiza, Wyethia, Encelia, Helianthns, Lep- 
tosyne, Madia, Hemitonia, Layia, Venegasia, Baeria, Achillea, 
Artemisia, Cotida, Malacothrix, and Troximon. 

ORDER XL. 

Lobeliaceae. Lobelia Family. 

Herbs. Leaves. — Alternate ; simple. Flowers. — Scattered, or in 
racemes ; perfect. Calyx. — With tive-lobed limb. Corolla. — Irregular ; 
five-lobed ; apparently bilabiate. Stamens. — Five, with their filaments 
united into a tube and their anthers into a ring. Ovary. — One- or two- 
celled ; inferior. Style entire. Stigma commonly two-lobed and ringed 
with hairs. Fruit. — A capsule. 

An order of twenty-eight genera and five hundred and forty 
species, distributed over the world with the exception of the 
frigid zones. Many of the species contain active poisons, and 
are dangerous plants. 

We have four genera, chief of which are Bolelia (Dow- 
ningia) and Lobelia. 

ORDER XLL 

Campanulacese. Harebell or Campanula Family. 

Herbs with milky juice. Leaves. — Alternate; without stipules. 
Flowers. — Regular ; parts in fives ; usually blue, sometimes white. 
Calyx. — With tube adherent to the ovary and lobes free. Corolla. — 
Gamopetalous ; campanulate or rotate. Stamens. — Five; alternate with 
the corolla-lobes. Ovary. — Two- to five-celled ; inferior. Style single ; 
hairy above. Stigma two- to five-cleft. Fruit. — A capsule. 

A small order, chiefly of temperate regions, important only 
as furnishing some ornamental plants to the garden, chief of 
which is the Canterbury-bell, Campanula medium. 

The chief genus of the order in California, as elsewhere, is 
Campanula. To this genus belong the beautiful ''bluebells of 
Scotland" and the various charming bell-flowers of the Swiss 
Alps. 

lxxiii 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

ORDER XLII. 

Ericaceae. Heath Family. 

Woody plants or perennial herbs. Leaves. — Simple ; usually alternate 
(though sometimes opposite or whorled or entirely wanting). Flozvers. 
— Mostly regular, with parts in fours or fives. Calyx. — Gamosepalous. 
Corolla. — Mostly gamopetalous, though in some polypetalous. Stamens. 
— As many or twice as many as the corolla-lobes. Anthers two-celled ; 
opening by terminal pores. Ovary. — Superior or mainly so ; usually 
with as many cells as petals or corolla-lobes. Style single. Fruit. — A 
capsule or berry. 

A large order containing seventy-three genera and thirteen 
hundred species, natives of temperate and cold regions. 

It is divided into four sub-orders, which by some authorities 
are considered separate orders. They are : — Vaccinie^e, 
American shrubs, characterized by their inferior ovary and 
berry-like fruit ; Ericine^e, shrubs or trees, with superior 
ovary, gamopetalous corolla, and introrse anthers ; Pyrole.e, 
mostly herbs, with polypetalous corolla, extrorse anthers, and 
superior ovary ; Monotrope^e, herbaceous root parasites, with- 
out green herbage. 

Two genera of Vaccinie.e furnish the huckleberry, blueberry, 
and cranberry. The sub-order Ericine^e contains a number of 
very important genera, of which are Erica (heath), Rhododen- 
dron (rhododendron and azalea), Gaultheria, Kalmia, Arbutus, 
etc. Of the sub-order Pyrole^e, the most important genera 
are Pyrola and Chimaphila. The sub-order Monotrope.e con- 
tains Monotropa (the Indian-pipe) and Sar codes (the snow- 
plant). 

Of our twenty Californian genera, the most important are 
V accinium, Arbutus, Arctostaphylos, Gaultheria, Cassiope, 
Bryanthus, Rhododendron, Ledum, Chimaphila, Pyrola, Pter- 
ospora, and Sarcodes. 

ORDER XLIII. 

Primulaceae. Primrose Family. 

Herbs. Leaves. — Simple, mainly entire, without stipules. Flozvers. — 
Regular; gamopetalous. Calyx and corolla. — Each four- to eight-cleft, 

lxxiv 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

mostly five-cleft. Stamens: — As many as the corolla-lobes and opposite 
them, on its tube. Anthers two-celled, opening lengthwise. Ovary. — 
One-celled. Style and stigma entire. Fruit. — A capsule. 

An order of about twenty-five genera and over three hun- 
dred species, of temperate regions, mainly alpine. Many highly 
prized flowers of our gardens belong to this order, such as 
the primrose, cowslip, polyanthus, auricula, cyclamen, and sol- 
dinelle. 

Of our eight California!! genera, the most important are 
Dodccatlicon, Primula, Trientalis, and AnctpaUis. 



\V 



ORDER XLIV. 
Apocynaceas. Dogbane Family. 

Herbs, shrubs, or trees (ours herbs) with milky juice. Leaves. — 
Opposite ; entire ; without stipules. Flozvers. — Regular, with their parts 
in fives. Corolla. — Gamopetalous. Stamens. — Five, on the corolla alter- 
nate with its lobes. Anthers disposed to cohere with the stigma. Pollen 
of distinct powdery grains. Ovaries. — Two ; distinct ; superior. Styles 
and stigmas two, more or less united. Fruit. — A pair of pods. 

An order of a hundred genera and over five hundred species, 
largely tropical and closely allied to the milkweeds. The 
species have a milky acrid juice that is often poisonous. India- 
rubber is obtained from several different plants of the order ; 
others furnish valuable woods to the cabinetmaker and wood- 
carver and various medicinal barks and edible fruits, as well 
as very useful textile fibers. The oleander (Nerium), peri- 
winkle (Vinca), and Chile jasmine (M andevilla) , common in 
our gardens, belong to this order. 

Of our two Californian genera, Apocynum is the more im- 
portant. 

ORDER XLV. 

Asclepiadaceae. Milkweed Family. 
Herbs (at least in the temperate regions) with milky juice. 

In structure this order closely resembles Apocynace^e, from 
which it differs chiefly in having the pollen in each anther-cell 
in one solid waxy mass, instead of in powdery grains. 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

The order contains upwards of one hundred and forty genera 
and over nine hundred species. It is distributed over temperate 
and tropical regions, and its species yield many medicinal 
products. It includes the wax-plant (Hoya) and some other 
handsome greenhouse plants, the carrion-flower (Stapelia), 
and the milkweed (Asclepias), which has some interesting 
peculiarities of structure. 

Of our four Californian genera, Asclepias and Gompho- 
carpus are the most important. 

ORDER XLVI. 
Gentianaceae. Gentian Family. 

Herbs with colorless, bitter juice. Leaves. — Opposite; entire; sessile; 
without stipules. Flowers. — Regular ; perfect ; with parts in fours or 
fives. Corolla. — Gamopetalous. Stamens. — As many as the corolla-lobes 
and alternate with them. Ovary. — One-celled. Style single or none. 
Stigmas usually two. 

An order of about fifty genera and five hundred species, 
widely distributed over the world. Bitterness in every part 
is a characteristic feature of the plants of this order, which 
furnish many valued remedies to the pharmacopoeia, chiefly 
bitter tonics. The gentians are the best known plants of the 
order, and are found in temperate or alpine regions, though 
singularly lacking in the polar regions. G. crinita is the beau- 
tiful "fringed gentian" of eastern North America. 

Of our five Californian genera, Gentiana and Erythrcea are 
the most important. 

ORDER XLVII. 

Polemoniaceae. Phlox or Polemonium Family. 

Herbs with bland, colorless juice. Leaves. — Simple or divided ; with- 
out stipules. Flowers. — Regular ; with parts in fives. Corolla. — Gamo- 
petalous. Stamens. — On the corrolla, alternate with its lobes. Anthers 
introrse. Ovary. — Superior ; three-celled. Style three-lobed. Fruit. — 
A capsule. 

An order of few genera, but upward of one hundred and 
fifty species, mainly natives of the western parts of temperate 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

North and South America. It is of no special importance, 
except as furnishing a few bright and beautiful flowers for 
cultivation. Phlox Drummondi, of Texas, has long been 
familiar in our gardens, and Cobecu scandens, a handsome 
climber of Mexico, is becoming almost equally well known. 

Of our four Californian genera, the most important are 
Phlox, Gilia, and Polcmonium. 

ORDER XLVIII. 

Hydrophyllaceae. Baby-eyes or Waterleaf Family. 

Mostly herbs — a few shrubby. Leaves. — Mainly alternate, although 
sometimes opposite ; no stipules. Flowers. — Sometimes solitary, but 
mostly in scorpioid or coiled racemes or spikes ; perfect ; regular ; with 
parts in lives. Calyx. — Five-parted or of five separate sepals. Corolla. — 
Gamopetalous. Stamens. — On the corolla-tube, alternate with its lobes. 
Ovary. — Superior ; one- to two-celled. Styles two, distinct or partially 
united (wholly so in Romanzofha) . Fruit. — A capsule. 

An order of about sixteen genera and one hundred and 
fifty species, nearly all North American, and most abundant 
in Western North America. The order is of no economic 
importance, but several Californian species are commonly 
cultivated. 

We have a dozen genera, the most important of which are 
Nemophila, Ellisia, Phacelia, Emmenanthe, Romanzofha, and 
Eriodictyon. 

ORDER XLIX. 

Boraginaceae. Forget-me-not or Borage Family. 

Mostly rough, pubescent herbs. Leaves. — Alternate; entire; without 
stipules. Flowers. — In scorpioid spikes or racemes ; perfect ; regular ; 
with their parts in fives. Calyx. — Five-cleft or five-parted. Corolla. — 
Gamopetalous. Stamens. — On the corolla throat, alternate with its 
lobes. Ovary. — Superior ; four-lobed ; separating at maturity into four 
seedlike nutlets. Style single. 

A rather large order, having sixty or seventy genera and 
upwards of six hundred species. It is of wide distribution, but 
is best represented in the temperate regions of the Northern 

lxxvii 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

Hemisphere. It is of slight importance, although the roots of 
several species contain a reddish brown dye and a few are 
medicinal. The heliotrope and forget-me-not of our gardens 
belong to this order. Of our eleven Californian genera, the 
most important are Heliotr opium, Amsinckia, Lappula, Cyno- 
glossum, and Plagiobothrys. 

ORDER L. 

Convolvulaceas. Morning-glory or Convolvulus Family. 

Herbs, commonly twining or trailing (or, in warm climates, shrubs). 
Leaves. — Alternate. Flozvers. — Regular ; perfect ; usually large and 
showy ; opening but once. Calyx. — Mostly of distinct sepals. Corolla. 
— Gamopetalous ; with four or five lobes or angles. Stamens. — As many 
as the lobes of the corolla and alternate with them. Ovary. — Superior; 
two- to three-celled ; the cells sometimes divided. Styles one or two. 

An order of about thirty genera and six hundred and sixty 
species, very abundantly found in the tropics, but rare in cold 
regions. It is not of great economic importance. The roots 
of many and the seeds of some are used as purgatives. The 
morning-glory of our gardens and the common sweet potato 
(Ipomoca Batatas) belong to this order, also the bindweed and 
dodder, among common weeds. 

We have three genera in this order, the most important of 
which ar^ Convolvulus and Cuscuta. 

ORDER LI. 

Solanacese. Nightshade Family. 

Mostly herbs or shrubs. Leaves. — Alternate ; without stipules. 
Flowers. — Regular with their parts in fives. Calyx. — Five-cleft. Corolla. 
— Gamopetalous ; plicate or folded in bud. Stamens. — Five. Ovary. — 
Two-celled; superior. Style single. Fruit. — A many-seeded berry or 
capsule. 

An order of wide distribution in the warmer parts of the 
world, and containing sixty genera and nine hundred species. 
The plants of this order are usually of rank odor, and most 
of them contain narcotic properties, among them the bella- 

lxxviii 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

donna, tobacco, henbane, stramonium, and nightshade. A few 
furnish useful foods, such as the potato, the tomato, and the 
egg-plant, and one is a much used condiment — capsicum, or 
red pepper. Familiar in our gardens are the petunia, the sal- 
piglossis, floriponda, and several ornamental species of nico- 
tiana, or tobacco. 

Of our ten native genera, the most important are Solatium, 
Datura, and Nicotiana. 

ORDER LII. 

Scrophulariaceae. Figwort Family. 

Herbs, sometimes shrubs. Leaves. — Opposite, whorled, or alternate. 
Flowers. — Perfect; solitary and axillary, or in racemes. Calyx. — Of 
five or four distinct or variously united sepals. Corolla. — Gamopeta- 
lous ; four- or five-lobed or cleft ; usually bilabiate. Stamens. — On the 
corolla ; four, in pairs ; or only two — the fifth and upper and sometimes 
the two lateral absent or reduced to sterile filaments or mere rudiments ; 
rarely (as in Verbascum) all five present and fertile. Ovary. — Superior; 
two-celled. Style single. Stigma entire or two-lobed. 

A large order of over one hundred and fifty genera, dis- 
tributed over all parts of the world. Some are medicinal, such 
as Digitalis (the foxglove), and many are well-known orna- 
mental plants in our gardens or greenhouses, such as the 
snapdragon, collinsia, foxglove, pentstemon, mimulus, calceo- 
laria, etc. 

This order is generously represented in California, as we 

have nineteen genera, the most important of which are 

Verbascum, Linaria, Antirrhinum, Scrophularia, Collinsia, 

Pentstemon, Mimulus, Veronica, Castilleia, Orthocarpus, and 

Pedicularis. 

ORDER LIII. 

Orobanchaceas. Broom-rape Family. 

Root-parasitic herbs, destitute of chlorophyll and green leaves. Stems. 
— Having dry or fleshy scales in place of leaves. Distinguished from 
Scrophulariace;E by its one-celled ovary. 

A small order of the north temperate zone, comprising about 

a dozen genera and one hundred and fifty species. Several 

Ixxix 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

genera furnish medicines, and one yields a black dye. The 
order is, however, of small importance. 

Of our two Californian genera, Aphyllon is the more im- 
portant. 

ORDER LIV. 

Labiatae. Mint Family. 

Mostly aromatic herbs with square stems. Leaves. — Opposite ; simple ; 
without stipules. Flowers. — Perfect. Calyx. — Three- to five-cleft or 
bilabiate. Corolla. — Bilabiate ; the upper lip usually two-lobed or entire 
and the lower three-cleft or -parted. Stamens. — On the tube of the 
corolla ; four in pairs, or two. Ovary. — Superior ; four-lobed. Style 
single. 

A large order of one hundred and twenty-five genera and 
over two thousand species, most abundantly represented in 
warm temperate regions. All the plants of this order are 
harmless ; some are used in medicine or for condiments, and 
others are cultivated for their beautiful flowers. The familiar 
sage, pennyroyal, marjoram, thyme, catmint, spearmint, pep- 
permint, etc., belong to this order. 

We have eighteen genera in California, the chief of which 
are Monardella, Micromeria, Sphacele, Salvia, Audibertia, 
Britnella, Marrubium, Stachys, and Trichostema. 

ORDER LV. 
Nyctaginaceas. Four-o'clock Family. 

Herbs (or rarely woody plants). Stems. — Slender ; with swollen 
joints. Leaves. — Entire ; .without stipules; mostly opposite. Flozvcrs. — 
Perfect ; often with a calyx-like involucre. Calyx. — Corolla-like ; tubu- 
lar to campanulate ; its base constricted over the ovary and in fruit 
becoming thick and hard, inclosing the akene. Corolla — Wanting. 
Stamens. — Few. Filaments slender. Anthers rounded. Ovary. — One- 
celled ; apparently inferior. Style and stigma simple. Fruit. — An akene. 

An order of about twenty genera and one hundred or more 
species, found chiefly in the tropics, although one or two 
genera extend into temperate regions. Most of the plants of 
the order are obscure weeds and the roots of almost all are 

lxxx 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

purgative. The "four-o'clock," or "marvel of Peru/' is familiar 
in old-fashioned gardens, and a few Abronias are ornamental. 
In California we have five genera, the most important of 
which are Mirabilis and Abronia. 

ORDER LVI. 
Polygonaceae. Buckwheat Family. 

Herbs or woody plants with swollen joints. Leaves. — Alternate or 
whorled, or sometimes only radical; entire; usually with dilated and 
clasping base. Flowers. — Mostly perfect on jointed pedicels; often 
contained in involucres. Calyx. — Usually petaloid ; of three to six more 
or less united segments. Corolla wanting. Stamens. — Four to nine. 
Ovary. — Superior; one-celled; one-seeded. Styles two to four. Fruit. 
— An angled akene. 

An order of thirty genera and seven hundred species, mostly 
of north temperate regions. The genus Rheum furnishes the 
officinal rhubarb, also the rhubarb or pie-plant of the garden. 
Fagopyrum is the well-known buckwheat. Some of the plants 
of this order furnish dyes, others tanning agents, and still 
others medicines. To this order belong the common dock and 
sorrel. 

Of our ten genera, the most prominent are Rumex, Erio- 
gonum, and Chorizanthe. 

ORDER LVIL 
Chenopodiaceae. Goosefoot Family. 

Herbs or shrubs, often succulent, sometimes fleshy and leafless. 
Leaves. — Alternate; simple; without stipules. Flowers. — Small; sessile; 
clustered ; with or without bracts ; perfect or unisexual. Calyx. — Of five 
or fewer usually herbaceous and persistent sepals, or sometimes want- 
ing in fertile flowers ; sometimes becoming winged or appendaged. 
Corolla. — Wanting. Stamens. — As many as the sepals and opposite 
them or fewer ; distinct ; with two-celled anthers. Ovary. — Superior ; 
one-celled. Styles or stigmas one to four. Fruit. — Dry. 

An order of sixty genera and four hundred species ; of wide 
distribution in cool countries ; largely peculiar to maritime and 
saline localities. It is extensively represented in the alkaline 
regions of western America, and furnishes a number of cos- 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

mopolitan weeds. Of this order are the beet, spinach, and 
mangel-wurzel of the garden. Many plants of the order 
possess aromatic or medicinal qualities, and others yield soda 
in large quantities. 

Of the fourteen genera of our flora, the best known are 
Salic omia and Cheno podium. 

ORDER LVIII. 

Lauraceae. Laurel Family. 

Aromatic trees and shrubs. Leaves. — Alternate ; simple ; entire ; 
without stipules ; mostly marked with minute pellucid dots. Flowers. — 
Either perfect or dioecious; in cymes or clusters; small; usually white 
or yellowish. Calyx. — Of four or six sepals. Corolla. — Wanting. 
Stamens. — Definite or somewhat indefinite ; in three or four series ; 
the inner often with two glands at base. Anthers opening by uplifting 
valves. Ovary. — Superior ; one-celled. Style and stigma one. Fruit. — 
A berry or drupe. 

A large order of fifty genera and nine hundred species, found 
mostly in cool parts of the tropics of Asia and America. It 
yields a number of valuable timbers, and many medicinal and 
other products, among which are cinnamon, camphor, cassia, 
sassafras, etc. To this order also belongs the alligator-pear, 
frequently brought to us from the tropics and much esteemed. 

Our only genus is Umbellularia. 

ORDER LIX. 

Piperaceae. Yerba mansa or Pepper Family. 

Perennial acrid herbs (in our species), with creeping rootstocks and 
jointed or scapelike stems. Leaves. — Entire; petioled ; dilated at base 
or sheathing ; without stipules. Flowers. — Mostly perfect ; furnished 
with bracts; in dense terminal spikes or racemes. Calyx and corolla. — 
Wanting. Stamens. — Three to six or more. Ovary. — Superior; one- 
to several-celled. Stigmas. — One to five. Fruit. — A capsule or follicle 
or berry. 

An order of about twenty genera and six hundred species, 
almost all natives of very hot regions. The black and white 
peppers of commerce are the fruits of Piper nigrum. The 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

plants of this order are for the most part pungent, aromatic, 
astringent, and narcotic, and furnish many drugs, among them 
cubebs. 

Our only genus is Ancmopsis. 

ORDER LX. 

Aristolochiaceae. Dutchman's-Pipe or Birthwort Family. 

Perennial herbs or shrubs. Leaves. — Alternate ; entire ; mostly cor- 
date-reniform ; without stipules. Flowers. — Perfect. Calyx. — Petaloid; 
lurid or greenish; with a regular or irregular three-lobed border; the 
tube more or less adnate to the ovary. Corolla. — Wanting. Stamens. — 
Six to twelve ; on the ovary and more or less adherent to the styles. 
Anthers extrorse. Ovary. — Six-celled. Styles usually six. 

An order of five genera and two hundred species, chiefly of 
warm countries. The species are many of them medicinal, and 
in some the flowers are beautiful and ornamental. 

We have two genera in California — Asarum and Aristo- 
lochia. 

ORDER LXI. 
Orchidaceas. Orchis Family. 

Perennial herbs, sometimes parasitic. Roots. — Often tuberous or 
thickened. Stems. — Simple or scapelike. Leaves. — Alternate; sheath- 
ing ; parallel-veined ; sometimes scalelike. Flowers. — Perfect ; irregu- 
lar ; with parts in threes ; usually inverted by the twisting of the ovary. 
Perianth segments. — Six; five similar, and the upper (apparently the 
lower) dissimilar and called the lip. Stamens. — One or two; on the 
ovary; in reality coalescent with the style forming the column, which 
bears on its summit the oblique, concave, viscous stigma, and the anther 
or anthers. Ovary. — Inferior; one-celled. 

A very large order containing about four hundred genera 
and upwards of three thousand species, found in all parts of 
the world except the coldest, but flourishing most luxuriantly 
in the tropics, where they are largely epiphytic. They are 
much cultivated in hothouses, where their great variety of 
wonderfully beautiful and often grotesque flowers charm the 
eye or delight the sense with their perfume. Beyond their 
beautiful flowers the plants of this order are of small im- 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

portance, the best-known useful product being vanilla, obtained 
from the fruits (called beans) of various species of Vanilla, 
in largest quantity from Mexico, although found elsewhere. 

Of our ten Californian genera, the most important are Ca- 
lypso, Corallorhiza, Habenaria, Spiranthes, Goodyera, Epi- 
pactis, Cephalanthera, and Cipripedium. 

ORDER LXIL 

Iridaceae. Iris Family. 

Perennial herbs with creeping rootstocks or corms, which are more 
or less acrid. Leaves. — Equitant ; sheathing ; two-ranked ; sword-shaped 
or linear ; parallel-veined. Flowers. — Perfect ; regular ; showy ; few or 
solitary ; with spathelike bracts. Perianth. — Of six segments, in two 
series. Stamens. — Three with extrorse anthers ; distinct or united. 
Ovary. — Inferior ; three-celled. Style three-cleft ; stigma-bearing 
branches often dilated and petaloid. Fruit. — A triangular capsule. 

An order of fifty or more genera and over five hundred 
species, mostly natives of temperate regions, notably South 
Africa, North and South America, and Europe. The plants 
of the order are more remarkable for their beautiful flowers 
than for their economic uses. Well known in our gardens are 
the gladiolus, crocus, ixia, iris, and tigridia. Orris-root is 
the product of Iris Florentina. 

In California' we have two genera only — Iris and Sisyrin- 
chium. 

ORDER LXIII. 
Liliaceae. Lily Family. 

Mostly herbs. Stems chiefly from coated or scaly bulbs or corms 
or more or less thickened rhizomes. Leaves. — Parallel-veined (rarely 
net-veined). Flowers. — Perfect; regular. Perianth. — Corolla-like; six- 
cleft or divided (the three outer segments sometimes dissimilar and 
somewhat foliaceous). Stamens. — Usually six; opposite the segments 
(three in Scoliopus), though sometimes three with three alternating 
staminodia. Anthers two-celled. Ovary. — Superior ; three-celled. Fruit. 
— A capsule or berry. 

A large and important order of about one hundred and 
eighty genera and nineteen hundred species, distributed all 

lxxxiv 



PLANT FAMILIES OR ORDERS 

over the world. Many are remarkable for the beauty and 
fragrance of their flowers, and have long been favorites in 
the garden, such as the lily, tulip, hyacinth, day-lily, lily of 
the valley, tuberose, agapanthus, smilax, etc. Others are culti- 
vated for food, such as Asparagus and various species of Al- 
lium (onion). Many furnish valuable fibers, such as the New 
Zealand flax and the yucca; while others are important in 
medicine, such as aloes and squills. 

This order is a marked feature in our flora, and we have 
several genera peculiar to the State or to western North 
America. 

We have thirty-one genera, most important of which are 
Lilium, Fritillaria, Erythronium, Calochortus, Disporum (Pro- 
sartes), Clintonia, Scoliopus, Trillium, Veratnim, Zygadenus, 
Xerophyllum, Muilla, Bloomeria, Brodicea, Camassia, Chloroga- 
lum, Smilacina, Yucca, Hesperoyucca, and Cleistoyucca. 

ORDER LXIV. 

Araceae. Arum Family. 

Smooth perennial herbs. Leaves. — Large ; radical or alternate. 
Floivers. — Monoecious or dioecious (or sometimes perfect) ; sessile and 
crowded on a spadix, which is surrounded by a simple spathe. Calyx 
and corolla. — Wanting; or in perfect flowers four- to six-sepaled. Sta- 
mens. — Four. Ovary. — Superior; two-celled. All the ovaries coalescing 
in fruit. 

An order of twenty-six genera and one hundred and seventy 
species, mostly of tropical countries. The roots of some are 
eaten as food in the regions of their growth, while others fur- 
nish dangerous poisons or powerful drugs. The well-knowm 
calla lily is of this order. 

We have in California but one genus, Lysichiton, commonly 
called "skunk-cabbage." 



lxxxv 



A FEW OF OUR LARGEST AND MOST 
IMPORTANT GENERA 

Ceanothus, L. Buckthorn Family. 

Shrubs or small trees, sometimes spinescent. Leaves. — Opposite 
or alternate ; petioled ; variously toothed or entire. Flowers. — Blue or 
white ; small, usually not more than two or three lines across ; borne in 
showy thyrsoid or cymose clusters. Calyx. — Petaloid ; with short tube 
and five-cleft border, the lobes acute and connivent. Petals. — Five ; 
long-clawed; hooded; inserted on the calyx-tube. Stamens. — Five; 
opposite the petals; long-exserted. Ovary. — Three-lobed; three-celled. 
Style short; three-cleft. Fruit. — Dry; consisting of three dehiscent 
nutlets ; sometimes crested. 

The genus Ceanothus is mainly a Western one. Of its 
thirty or more species, two thirds are found in the region 
between the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. 

In California we have about twenty species ; and these all 
hybridize to such an extent, that often the determination of any 
given species is a very difficult matter. The genus reaches its 
culmination in the mountains of Santa Cruz County, where 
there are many beautiful species. Many of the species are 
commonly known as "California lilac." 

Lupinus, Catullus. Pea Family. 

Leaves. — Palmately divided, with from one to sixteen leaflets ; stip- 
ules adnate; seldom conspicuous. Leaflets. — Entire; sessile. Flowers. 
— In terminal racemes, whorled or scattered. Calyx. — Deeply bilabiate ; 
upper lip notched ; lower usually entire, or occasionally three-toothed 
or cleft. Corolla. — Papilionaceous. Standard. — Broad, with sides 
reflexed. Wings. — Falcate; oblong; commonly slightly united at the 
tip in front of and inclosing the falcate, usually slender, pointed keel. 
Stamens. — Ten ; with their filaments united in a tube ; of two forms ; five 
with longer and basifixed anthers ; the alternate five with shorter and 

lxxxvi 



SOME IMPORTANT GENERA 

versatile ones. Pod. — Compressed; straight; two-valved. Style slender. 
Stigma bearded. , 

The lupines are mostly plants of western America. In 
fact, they are so abundant between the Rocky Mountains and 
the Pacific Ocean that that territory is known among botanists 
as the "Lupine Region." 

The species, which are very numerous, are difficult of deter- 
mination, requiring very long technical descriptions, which can- 
not be given in a work like the present. For this reason we 
have been able to give but a few of the more easily recognized. 

We have in California upwards of forty species. They are 
of little economic importance, although one or two species 
have been found very useful in the reclaiming of sand-dunes. 
Several species have been cultivated for ornament. The leaves 
are often beautiful and the flower-clusters showy. 

A characteristic feature of this genus is that two different 
forms of stamens alternate with one another in the same flower. 

The generic name is supposed to come from the Latin 
adjective lupinas, signifying of the nature of a wolf, and to 
have been given because of the voracity evinced by the species 
in exhausting the soil. 

Astragalus, Tourn. Pea Family. 

Herbs, or sometimes plants woody at base. Leaves. — Alternate ; 
with stipules ; unequally pinnate. Flowers. — Rather small ; chiefly in 
simple axillary spikes or racemes, upon a commonly elongated pedun- 
cle ; papilionaceous. Calyx. — Five-toothed. Corolla and its slender- 
clawed petals usually narrow. Keel not pointed. Stamens. — Nine 
united ; one free. Ovary. — One-celled ; sometimes apparently two- 
celled. Pod. — Very various ; commonly inflated. Seeds. — Few to 
many on slender stalks ; generally small for the size of the pod. 

The genus Astragalus is a very large one, comprising many 
species in most parts of the world, save Australia and South 
Africa. About two hundred species are native of North 
America, most of which are found in the region west of the 
Mississippi River. Of these several are known as "loco-weed," 
and are poisonous to sheep and cattle. 

lxxxvii 



SOME IMPORTANT GENERA 

"Rattle-weed" is the common name for the plants of this 
genus, from the fact that the ripened seed make a rattling noise 
in the dried, inflated pods. 

Very few species of this genus have any economic value. 
A. gummifer and some other similar species of western Asia, 
low, spiny shrubs, yield the gum tragacanth of commerce. 

CEnothera, L. Evening-Primrose Family. 

Herbs, or plants sometimes woody at the base. Leaves. — Alternate. 
Flowers. — Axillary or in spikes or racemes. Calyx-tube. — More or less 
prolonged above the ovary with four rerlexed segments. Petals. — Four ; 
obcordate to obovate ; sessile ; yellow to white, often tinged with red 
or turning red in fading. Stamens. — Eight; equal; or those opposite 
the petals shorter. Anthers perfect; two-celled; versatile. Ovary. — 
Four-celled ; many-ovuled. Style filiform. Stigma four-lobed or capi- 
tate. Fruit. — A capsule with the seeds in one or two rows in each cell. 

The name CEnothera is from two Greek words, meaning 
wine and a hunt, or pursuit. Mr. Gray tells us that it was 
given in ancient times to some plant whose roots were eaten 
to provoke a relish for wine. 

This is a large genus, containing a hundred or more species, 
which are mostly confined to America, about a quarter of 
them being Californian. Many of them are very beautiful and 
have long been favorites in gardens. The flowers are yellow 
or white, and are commonly designated as "evening primroses," 
as many of them open upon the edge of evening. 

Godetia, Spach. Evening-Primrose Family. 

The genus Godetia is closely allied to that of CEnothera; 
but is distinguished from the latter in several points. Its 
flowers are purple, lilac, or rose-colored — never yellow ; the 
anthers are basifixed — i. e. fixed by their bases — not versa- 
tile ; and the stigma, instead of being capitate, has four linear 
lobes. 

The plants of this genus were formerly included under 
CEnothera; but it has been thought best to put them into a 
separate genus, which has been named for a Dr. Godet. 

lxxxviii 



SOME IMPORTANT GENERA 

There are numerous species, many of them very beautiful 
and showy. They vary a great deal under different conditions 
and in different seasons, and are not well understood by bota- 
nists as yet. 

The genus is confined to the western coast of North America, 
and is most largely represented in California. 

The species flower mostly in late spring and early summer, 
which has given rise to the pretty name of "farewell to spring" 
for the plants of this genus. 



Gilia, Renz. and Pav. Phlox or Polemonium Family. 

Herbs or plants somewhat shrubby at base. Leaves. — Opposite or 
alternate ; simple or compound ; without stipules. Many species with 
showy flowers. All the parts of the flower five, except the pistil, which 
has a three-celled ovary and a three-lobed style. Calyx. — Imbricated 
in the bud. Corolla. — Regular; funnel-form, salver-form, or some- 
times short-campanulate or rotate ; convolute in the bud. Stamens. — ■ 
Five ; on the corolla alternate with its lobes ; distinct. Filaments mostly 
slender ; sometimes unequal in length ; not bearded at base. 

This genus was named in honor of Philip Gil, a Spanish 
botanist. In America the name is pronounced jiVi-a, though 
according to the rules of the Spanish language he'li-a would 
be the correct pronunciation. 

This is a comparatively large genus, comprising about a 
hundred species, most of which are native to the western parts 
of the United States. The flowers are often showy and beau- 
tiful, and some of them closely resemble the phloxes. A num- 
ber are cultivated under the botanical name of Ipomopsis or 
Lcptosiphon. 



Phacelia, Juss. Baby-eyes or Waterleaf Family. 

Herbs, mostly branched from the base and hairy. Leaves. — Alter- 
nate ; the lower sometimes opposite ; simple or compound. Flowers. — 
Usually in one-sided scorpioid racemes. Calyx. — Deeply five-parted ; 
without appendages. Corolla. — From almost rotate to narrowly funnel- 
form ; five-lobed ; with ten vertical plates or scales at the base within. 
Stamens. — Five; equally inserted low or at the base of the corolla. 

lxxxix 



SOME IMPORTANT GENERA 

Ovary. — One-celled. Styles two; or one which is two-cleft. Fruit. — 
A capsule. 

The name Phacelia is from a Greek word signifying a fas- 
cicle, or bunch, and refers to the fascicled or clustered flower- 
racemes. 

This genus is closely allied to Nemophila, but differs from 
it in several points. The calyx is not furnished with append- 
ages at the sinuses ; the corolla is imbricated in the bud — 
i. e. the lobes overlap one another in the manner of bricks in 
a wall,' — and is not convolute, or rolled up, as in Nemophila. 

This is mainly a North American genus, having about fifty 
species, about thirty of which are Californian. Many of the 
species have beautiful and showy flowers, and are cultivated 
in gardens. The blossoms are blue, violet, purple, or white, 
but never yellow (save sometimes in the tube or throat). 



Mimulus, L. Figwort Family. 

Leaves. — Opposite ; simple. Flowers. — Axillary on solitary pedun- 
cles ; sometimes becoming racemose by the diminution of the upper 
leaves to bracts. Calyx. — Tubular or campanulate ; mostly five-angled 
and five-toothed. Corolla. — Funnel-form ; bilabiate ; the upper lip erect, 
two-lobed ; the lower three-lobed ; a pair of ridges, either bearded or 
naked, running down the lower side of the throat. Stamens. — Four. 
Anthers often near together in pairs, with divergent cells. Ovary. — 
Superior ; two-celled. Style filiform. Stigma two-lipped, with the lips 
commonly dilated and petaloid. 

The genus Mimulus is so named from the shape of the 
corolla, which is supposed to resemble the gaping countenance 
of an ape. It comprises forty or fifty species, and affords us 
some of our most beautiful flowers. The greater number of 
species and the handsomest are Pacific, and several of our 
Californian species are especially prized in cultivation. 

The plants of the genus are all known as "monkey-flowers." 
They exhibit an interesting character in the structure and 
movements of the stigma. It is usually composed of two 
somewhat expanded lips. These are extremely sensitive, and 



SOME IMPORTANT GENERA . 

when touched, or when pollen has been received by them, they 
close quite rapidly. 

Orthocarpus, Nutt. Figwort Family. 

Low herbs ; almost all annuals. Leaves. — Mainly alternate ; sessile ; 
often cut into from three to five filiform divisions ; the upper passing 
into the bracts of the dense spike and usually colored, as are the calyx- 
lobes. Calyx. — Short-tubular or oblong-campanulate ; evenly four-cleft, 
or sometimes cleft before and behind and the divisions again cleft. 
Corolla. — Tubular ; the upper lip, or galea, little or not at all longer 
than the lower ; small in comparison with the large, inflated, one- to 
three-saccate lower one, which usually bears more or less conspicuous 
teeth. Stamens. — Four ; inclosed in the upper lip. Ovary. — Two-celled. 
Style long. Stigma capitate. Fruit.— A capsule. 

The genus Orthocarpus is mainly Californian, comprising 
within our borders something less than twenty species. Most 
of them are to be found from San Francisco northward and 
in the mountains. 

They are closely related to the Castilleias, and resemble 
them closely in habit. The difference between the two genera 
lies in the relative sizes of the upper and lower lips of the 
corolla. In Castilleia the upper lip is the larger and more 
prominent; while in Orthocarpus the lower is much more 
conspicuous, often consisting of three inflated sacs. 

The species are quite difficult of determination. 

"Owl's clover" is a common English name for some of the 
plants of this genus ; while "pelican-flower" is the common 
name for those belonging to the section with three large in- 
flated divisions to the lower lip of the corolla. 

Pentstemon, Mitchell. Figwort Family. 

Perennial herbs, or rarely shrubby. Leaves. — Opposite, rarely 
whorled ; the upper sessile or clasping ; the floral gradually or abruptly 
reduced to bracts. Flowers. — Usually red, blue, purple, or white, 
rarely yellow; in raceme-like panicles. Calyx. — Five-parted. Corolla. 
— With a conspicuous and mostly elongated or ventricose tube; the 
throat swelling out on the lower if on either side ; the limb more or less 
bilabiate, with the upper lip two-lobed and the lower three-cleft, re- 
curved, or spreading. Stamens. — Four perfect; a fifth with a bearded 



SOME IMPORTANT GENERA 

filament only. Anther cells mostly united or running together at the 
summit. Ovary. — Two-celled. Style long. Stigma entire. 

The name Pentstemon is from two Greek words, signifying 
five and stamen. It was bestowed upon this genus because the 
fifth stamen is present, though sterile. 

The genus is a large one, comprising seventy species, most 
of which are North American, though a few are Mexican. It 
is most abundantly represented in the Pacific States and the 
States west of the Mississippi. California has over twenty 
species, many of them very beautiful, a number of them being 
in cultivation. 

"Beard-tongue" is the common English name for the plants 
of this genus. 

From so many charming species it has been very difficult to 
select; and if the reader finds some beautiful flower of this 
genus which is unnamed in these pages, he is advised to con- 
sult the technical botanies. 

Calochortus, Pursh. Lily Family. 

Stem. — Branching ; from a membranous-coated, sometimes fibrous- 
coated corm. Leaves, — Few ; linear-lanceolate ; the radical one or two 
much larger than those of the flexuous or erect stem. Flowers. — Few 
to many; showy; terminal or axillary, or umbellately fascicled. Peri- 
anth. — Deciduous ; of six more or less concave segments ; the three 
outer lanceolate, 'greenish, more or less sepal-like; the inner (petals) 
mostly broadly cuneate-obovate, usually with a conspicuous glandular 
pit toward the base, which is apt to be hidden by long hairs. Stamens. 
— Six. Anthers erect ; basifixed. Ovary. — Three-celled ; three-angled. 
Stigmas three ; sessile ; recurved. Capsule. — Three-angled or winged. 

The Calochorti are .the most widely diffused of all the lilia- 
ceous plants of the Pacific Coast, and comprise some of the 
most beautiful flowers in the world. "On the north they 
reach British America ; one species is to be found as far east as 
Nebraska ; and several are natives of northern Mexico ; and 
within these limits no considerable section of country is desti- 
tute of some species."* They are so closely allied to the true 
tulips that the common designation of them as "tulips" is not 
at all amiss. 

* Mr. Carl Purdy. X cii 



SOME IMPORTANT GENERA 

The name Calochortus signifies beautiful grass. The mem- 
bers of the genus fall naturally into three general groups : — 

First — The Globe Tulips, which have flexile stems, sub- 
globose, nodding flowers, and nodding capsules. Of these 
there are four — C. albus, C. ammxus, C. pulchellus, and C. 
amabilis. 

Second — The Star Tulips, having low, flexile stems, erect, 
star-like flowers, with spreading petals, and nodding capsules. 
They comprise C. Benthami, C. M awe anus, C. cceruleus, 
C. apiculatus, C. elegans, C. Tolmei, C. umbellatus, etc. 

Third — The Mariposa Tulips, which are usually tall, fine 
plants, with stiff, erect stems, having erect, cup-shaped or open- 
campanulate flowers, usually large and handsome, followed by 
erect capsules. 

They have a few narrow, grass-like, radical leaves, which 
have usually dried away by the time of flowering, which is in 
early summer, after the ground has become dry and hard. 
These inhabit our dry, open hillsides and grassy slopes, loving 
a stony, clayey, sandy, or volcanic soil. They comprise over 
thirty different known forms, and others are constantly being 
discovered. 

Among these are C. Weedii, C. clavatus, C. luteus and va- 
rieties, C. venustus and varieties, C. splendens, C. Catalince, 
C. macrocarpus, etc. 

They have a tendency to hybridize, and the various forms 
sport and vary, and run into one another in such a wonderful 
manner that the exact determination of all the species is an 
impossible task to all but a few experts — and even they are not 
certain about them all yet. We have given only a few of the 
commonest or best-characterized species. 

Mariposa is the Spanish word meaning butterfly, and was 
applied on account of the marvelous resemblance of the mark- 
ings of the petals of some of the forms to the wings of that 
insect. 



INDEX TO TECHNICAL TERMS 



PAGE 

Aggregate fruit . xxxiii 

Akene xxxiii 

Ament xxx 

Anther xxxi 

Axil xxiv 

Berry xxxiii 

Blade xxv 

Bract xxix 

Bulb xxv 

Calyx xxx 

Capsule xxxiii 

Carpel xxxii 

Catkin xxx 

Complete flower.. xxx 
Compound leaf... xxv 

Conn xxv 

Corolla xxxi 

Corymb xxx 

Cyme xxx 

Drupe xxxiii 

Essential organs. . xxxi 
Female flower. . .xxxi 

Filament xxxi 

Flower-cluster . . xxix 

Follicle xxxiii 

Foot-stalk xxv 

Fruit xxxii 

Gourd xxxiii 





PAGE 


Head 


XXX 


Imperfect flower . xxxi 


Inflorescence . . 


. . xxix 


Internodes .... 


. . xxiv 


Involucre 


. .xxix 


Leaflet 


. .xxv 


Leaves 


. .xxv 


Legume 


xxxiii 


Male flower .. . 


. . xxxi 


Neutral flower. 


. .xxxi 


Nodes 


. . xxiv 


Nut 


xxxiii 


Ovary 


. xxxii 


Palmate leaf. . . 


. . xxvi 


Panicle 


. .xxx 


Pedicel 


. . xxix 


Peduncle 


. .xxix 


Pepo 


xxxiii 


Perfect flower. 


. .xxxi 


Perianth 


. .xxxi 


Pericarp 


. XXXII 


Petals 


. .XXX 


Petiole 


. .xxv 


Pinnate leaf.. . . 


. . xxvi 


Pistil 


. .xxx 


Pistillate flower 


. . xxxi 


Pollen 


. . xxxi 


Pome 


xxxiii 



PAGE 

Raceme . , xxix 

Regular flower. . . xxxi 

Rhizome xxv 

Root xxiv 

Rootstock xxv 

Samara xxxiii 

Scape xxix 

Sepals xxx 

Simple leaf xxv 

Solitary flower... xxix 

Spadix xxx 

Spathe xxx 

Spike xx k 

Stamen xxx 

Staminate flower. .xxxi 

Staminodia xxxii 

Stem xxiv 

Stigma xxxii 

Stipules xxv 

Style xxxii 

Symmetrical 
flower xxxi 

Thyrse xxx 

Tuber xxv 

Umbel xxx 

Veinlets xxvi 



ENGLISH INDEX TO PLANT FAMILIES 

Arum Family, Araceae lxxxv 



AGE 



Baby-eyes Family, Hydrophyllaceae lxxvii 

Barberry Family, Berberidaceae lv 

Bean Caper Family, Zygophyllaceae lxi 

Birthwort Family, Aristolochiaceae lxxxiii 

Blazing-star Family, Loasaceae lxvii 

Bleeding-heart Family, Fumariaceae lvii 

Borage Family, Boraginaceae lxxvii 

Broom-rape Family, Orobanchaceae lxxix 

Buckthorn Family, Rhamnaceae lxii 

Buckwheat Family, Polygonaceae lxxxi 

Buttercup Family, Ranunculaceae lv 

Cactus Family, Cactaceae lxviii 

Campanula Family, Campanulaceae lxxiii 

Caper Family, Capparidaceae lviii 

Composite Family. Compositae lxxi 

Convolvulus Family, Convolvulacese lxxviii 

Creosote-bush Family, Zygophyllaceae lxi 

Crowfoot Family, Ranunculaceae lv 

Dogbane Family, Apocynacese lxxv 

Dogwood Family, Cornaceae lxix 

Dutchman's-pipe Family, Aristolochiaceae lxxxiii 

Evening Primrose Family, Onagraceae lxvi 

Fig-Marigold Family, Ficoideae lxviii 

Figwort Family, Scrophulariaceae lxxix 

Flax Family, Linaceae lxi 

Forget-me-not Family, Boraginaceae lxxvii 

Four-o'clock Family, Nyctaginaceae lxxx 

Fumitory Family, Fumariaceae lvii 

Gentian Family, Gentianaceae lxxvi 

Geranium Family, Geraniaceae lxi 

Ginseng Family, Araliaceae lxix 

Goosefoot Family, Chenopodiaceoe lxxxi 

Gourd Family, Cucurbitacese lxvii 

Hand-tree Family, Sterculiaceae lx 

Harebell Family, Campanulaceae lxxiii 

Heath Family. Ericaceae lxxiv 

Hone3 r suckle Family, Caprifoliaceae lxx 

Tris Family, Iridaceae lxxxiv 

xcv 



ENGLISH INDEX TO PLANT FAMILIES 

Laurel Family, Lauraceae lxxxii 

Lily Family, Liliaceae lxxxiv 

Loasa Family, Loasaceae lxvii 

Lobelia Family, Lobeliaceae lxxiii 

Madder Family, Rubiaceae lxx 

Mallow Family, Malvaceae lx 

Maple Family, Sapindaceae lxii 

Milkweed Family, Asclepiadaceae lxxv 

Milkwort Family, Polygalaceae * lviii 

Mint Family, Labiatae lxxx 

Morning-glory Family, Convolvulaceae lxxviii 

Mustard Family, Cruciferae lvii 

Nightshade Family, Solanaceae lxxviii 

Orchis Family, Orchidaceae lxxxiii 

Orpine Family, Crassulaceae lxvi 

Parsley Family, Umbelliferae lxviii 

Pea Family, Leguminosae lxiii 

Pepper Family, Piperaceae lxxxii 

Phlox Family, Polemoniaceae lxxvi 

Pink Family, Caryophyllaceae lix 

Pitcher-plant Family, Sarraceniaceae lvi 

Poison-oak Family, Anacardiaceae lxiii 

Polemonium Family, Polemoniaceae lxxvi 

Poppy Family, Papaveraceae lvi 

Primrose Family, Primulaceae lxxiv 

Purslane Family, Portulacaceae lix 

Rose Family, Rosaceae lxiv 

Saxifrage Family, Saxifragaceae lxv 

St. John's-wort Family, Hypericaceae lx 

Sterculia Family, Sterculiaceae lx 

Stone crop Family, Crassulaceae lxvi 

Sumach Family, Anacardiaceae lxiii 

Sweet-shrub Family, Calycanthaceae lxv 

Teasel Family, Dipsaceae , lxxi 

Valerian Family, Valerianaceae lxxi 

Violet Family, Violaceae lviii 

Waterleaf Family, Hydrophyllaceae lxxvii 

Water-Lily Family, Nymphaceae lvi 

Yerba Mansa Family, Piperaceae lxxxii 



LATIN INDEX TO PLANT FAMILIES 

PAGE 

Anacardiacese, Poison-oak or Sumach Family lxiii 

Apocynaceae, Dogbane Family lxxv 

Aracese, Arum Family lxxxv 

Araliaceae, Ginseng Family lxix 

Aristolochiaceae, Dutchman's-Pipe or Birthwort Family lxxxiii 

Asclepiadaceae, Milkweed Family lxxv 

Berberidaceae, Barberry Family lv 

Boraginaceae, Forget-me-not or Borage Family lxxvii 

Cactaceae, Cactus Family lxviii 

Calycanthaceas, Sweet-Shrub Family lxv 

Campanulaceae, Harebell or Campanula Family lxxiii 

Capparidaceae, Caper Family lviii 

Caprifoliaceae, Honeysuckle Family lxx 

Caryophyllaceae, Pink Family lix 

Chenopodiaceae, Goosefoot Family lxxxi 

Compositae, Composite Family Ixxi 

Cornaceae, Dogwood Family lxix 

Convolvulaceae, Morning-Glory or Convolvulus Family lxxviii 

Crassulaceas, Stonecrop or Orpine Family lxvi 

Cruciferae, Mustard Family lvii 

Cucurbitaceae, Gourd Family lxvii 

Dipsaceae, Teasel Family Ixxi 

Ericaceae, Heath Family lxxiv 

Ficoideae, Fig-Marigold Family lxviii 

Fumariaceae, Bleeding-heart or Fumitory Family Ivii 

Gentianaceae, Gentian Family lxxvi 

Geraniaceae, Geranium Family lxi 

Hydrophyllaceae, Baby-eyes or Waterleaf Family lxxvii 

Hypericaceae, St. Tohn's-wort Family lx 

Iridaceae, Iris Family .lxxxiv 

Labiatae, Mint Family lxxx 

Lauraceae, Laurel Family lxxxii 

Leguminosae. Pea Family lxiii 

Liliaceae, Lily Family lxxxiv 

Linaceae, FInx Family lxi 

Loasaceae, Blazing-star or Loasa Family lxvii 

Lobeliaceae, Lobelia Family lxxiii 

xcvii 



LATIN INDEX TO PLANT FAMILIES 

Malvaceae, Mallow Family Ix 

Nyctaginacese, Four-o'clock Family lxxx 

Nymphaceae, Water-Lily Family. lvi 

Onagraceae, Evening-Primrose Family lxvi 

Orchidaceae, Orchis Family lxxxiii 

Orobanchaceas, Broom-rape Family lxxix 

Papaveraceae, Poppy Family lvi 

Piperaceae, Yerba Mansa or Pepper Family lxxxii 

Polemoniaceae, Phlox or Polemoninm Family lxxvi 

Polygalaceae, Milkwort Family lviii 

Polygonaceae, Buckwheat Family lxxxi 

Portulacaceae, Purslane Family lix 

Primulaceae, Primrose Family lxxiv 

Ranunculaceae, Buttercup or Crowfoot Family lv 

Rhamnaceae, Buckthorn Family lxii 

Rosaceae, Rose Family lxiv 

Rubiaceae, Madder Family. lxx 

Sapindaceae, Maple Family lxii 

Sarraceniaceae, Pitcher-plant Family lvi 

Saxifragaceae, Saxifrage Family lxv 

Scrophulariaceae, Figwort Family lxxix 

Solanaceae, Nightshade Family. lxxviii 

Sterculiaceas, Sterculia or Hand-tree Family Ix 



Umbelliferae, Parsley Family , . . 1 



XV111 



Valerianaceae, Valerian Family lxxi 

Violaceae. Violet. Family , lviii 

Zygophyllaceae, Creosote-bush or Bean Caper Family lxi 



INTRODUCTORY 

Situated on the western verge of the continent, so far 
removed from the other parts of our country, not only by great 
distance, but by those mighty natural barriers that traverse the 
continent from north to south, California is eminently individ- 
ual in her natural features. Stretching through nine and one 
half degrees of latitude, with a sea-coast of seven hundred 
miles, and several mountain ranges, there is probably not 
another State in the Union that has so wonderful a diversity 
of climate and vegetation. Her shores, bathed by the warm 
Japan Current, or Ku-ro Si-wa, which is deflected southward 
from Alaska, are many degrees warmer than their latitude 
alone would warrant. 

Her general topography is simple and readily understood. 
The Sierra Nevada, or "snowy range," upon the eastern 
boundary, with its granite summits and its shoulders clothed 
with successive belts of majestic coniferous forests, with an oc- 
casional snow-peak towering above the range, forms the eastern 
wall of the great Central Valley, which is inclosed upon the 
west by the Coast Range, less in height than the Sierra, but 
equally beautiful, less forbidding, more companionable. The 
great Central Valley, four hundred and fifty miles long, is 
drained by two rivers, which meet in its center and break 
through the Coast Range, delivering their waters to the ocean 
through the Golden Gate. The Sacramento and San Joaquin 
rivers receive many important tributaries from the east, fed 
by the melting snows of the Sierras, and flow through one 
of the most fertile regions of the world. 

The Sierras may be divided into five different belts, of vary- 
ing altitudes along the length of the range, beginning with the 



INTRODUCTORY 

foothill region, which may be termed the chaparral region. 
This is succeeded by the yellow-pine belt, above which is the 
sugar-pine, or upper forest, belt, which is in turn succeeded by 
the sub-alpine, while the alpine dominates all. 

The Coast Range is channeled on both sides by many beau- 
tiful wooded canons, affording homes for some of our loveliest 
flowers. Mr. Purdy writes of it: — This "is not a continuous 
range, but a broken mass of parallel ridges from forty to sev- 
enty miles wide, with many other chains transverse to the 
general trend of the range, and inclosing numerous valleys, 
large and small, of widely different altitudes. In the Coast 
Range there is no warm belt, but isolated warm spots. Climate 
here can only be ascertained by experience. The geological 
formation of the ranges and the character of soils constantly 
vary, and often widely at short intervals. Hence the flora of 
this region is particularly interesting. It is hardly probable 
there is a more captivating field for the botanist in the world." 

In the north and the south the two great ranges meet in 
some of the noblest snow-peaks on the continent. Below their 
southern junction, to the eastward, lies an arid desert region, 
and above their northern junction extends a dry and elevated 
plateau to the northeast. Thus there arises a great diversity 
of natural condition. As all living organisms are greatly 
influenced by their environment, the flora naturally distributes 
itself along the lines of climatic variation. Thus we have 
alpine species on the snowy heights of the Sierras, and sub- 
alpine forms luxuriating in the meadows fed from their snows ; 
inland species in the Central Valley, and following some dis- 
tance up its eastern and western walls ; the leathery and hardy 
forms of the wind-swept coast; the curious prickly races of 
arid regions ; delicate lovers of the cool and shaded brook ; 
dwellers in marshes and on lake borders ; denizens of dry, rocky 
hill-slopes, exposed to the glare of the sun ; and inhabiters of 
shaded woods. It may be said that the most characteristically 
Western plants of our flora are to be found in the Central 



INTRODUCTORY 

Valley, in the lower belts of the Sierras, and in the valleys of 
the Coast Range, many of them extending beyond our borders, 
both northward and southward. Many of our alpine species 
are common to the East, and our maritime flora is of necessity 
somewhat cosmopolitan, containing many introduced species 
from various parts of the world. 

The climate of California is divided into two seasons — the 
wet and the dry, — the former extending from October to May, 
the latter occupying the remaining months of the year. And 
this climatic division coincides almost exactly with the area of 
the State. Of course, these dates are not absolute, as showers 
may occur beyond their limits. 

It w T ill be readily seen that the rainy season, or the winter, 
so-called, is the growing time of our year — the time when the 
earth brings forth every plant in his kind. On the other hand, 
the summer is the time of rest. Most of the plant-life having 
germinated after the first moisture of the fall, grows luxuri- 
antly during the showery months of winter, blossoms lavishly 
in the balmy sunshine of early springtime, produces seed in 
abundance by early summer, and is then ready for its an- 
nual rest. Instead of shrouding the earth in snow during our 
period of plant-rest, as she does in more rigorous climes, 
Nature gently spreads over hill and valley a soft mantle of 
brown. 

When the first shrill notes of the cicada are heard in late 
spring, we awake to a sudden realization that summer is at 
hand, and, looking about us, we see that the flowers have 
nearly all vanished ; hill and valley no longer glow with great 
masses of color; only a few straggling species of the early sum- 
mer remain ; but they too are soon gone, and soft browns and 
straw-colors prevail everywhere. It is then that the deep, rich 
greens of our symmetrically rounded live-oaks, so character- 
istic of this region, show in fine contrast against this delicate 
background, forming a picture that every Califo" ' t dearly 



INTRODUCTORY 

loves; the madrono and the laurel spread their canopies of 
grateful shade ; while the redwood affords cool retreats from 
the summer sun. Then our salt marshes, as though realizing 
the need of refreshing verdure, put on their most vivid greens ; 
and our chaparral-covered hill-slopes make walls of bronze 
and olive. 

Perhaps no coniferous forests in the world are so beautiful 
or so attractive as the redwood forests of our Coast Ranges; 
and they play so important a part in the distribution of our 
plants, it will not be out of place to devote a little space to 
them here. 

The main redwood belt is of limited range, extending along 
the Coast from Monterey County to Humboldt County, and 
nowhere exceeding twenty miles in breadth. Straggling trees 
may be found beyond these limits, but nowhere a forest growth 
or trees of great size. In its densest portion, the stately and 
colossal trees are too close together to permit of a wagon pass- 
ing between them. 

Mr. Purdy writes : — "The redwood is not only a lover of 
moisture, but to an extent hardly to be believed, unless seen, 
a condenser and conserver of moisture. Their tops reach high 
into the sea of vapor, and a constant precipitation from them, 
like rain, takes place. The water stands in puddles in the roads 
under them. This causes the densest of undergrowth ; hazels, 
huckleberries, various ceanothi, ferns of large size and in 
greatest profusion, large bushes of rhododendron, and numer- 
ous other plants make the forest floor a perfect tangle in 
moister portions." 

Many charming plants find their homes amid the cool shade 
of these noble trees. Trillium, and scoliopus, and dog's-tooth 
violets vie with clintonias and vancouverias in elegance and 
grace, while little creeping violets, and the lovely redwood- 
sorrel, and the salal make charming tapestries over the forest 
floor about these dim cathedral columns. 



INTRODUCTORY 

On the other hand, the open forest belts of the Sierras, 
which are of far greater extent, present another and quite 
different flora from that of the Coast Range and the redwood 
belt. There may be found many interesting plants of the 
Heath family — cassiope, bryanthus, chimaphila, ledum, various 
pyrolas, and the snow-plant ; there the aconite, false hellebore, 
eriogonums and gentians, and new and beautiful pentstemons 
and mimuli and lilies deck the meadows and stream-banks. 

After the season of blossoming is over in the lowlands, we 
may pass on up into the mountains and live again through a 
vernal springtime of flowers. 

Perhaps in no country in the world does the arrival of the 
spring flowers "so transform the face of Nature as in Califor- 
nia." The march of civilization has brought changes in its 
wake ; the virgin soil has been broken and subdued into grain- 
fields and vineyards ; still enough of the lavish blossoming is 
left us to appreciate Mr. Muir's description of the face of the 
country as it appeared years ago. He says :< — "When Califor- 
nia was wild, it was one sweet bee-garden throughout its entire 
length, north and south, and all the way across from the snowy 
Sierra to the ocean. . . . The Great Central Plain . . . during 
the months of March, April, and May was one smooth, con- 
tinuous bed of honey-bloom, so marvelously rich that in walk- 
ing from one end of it to the other, a distance of four hundred 
miles, your foot would press about a hundred flowers at every 
step. Mints, gilias, nemophilas, castilleias, and innumerable 
compositas were so crowded together that had ninety-nine 
per cent of them been taken away, the plain would still have 
seemed to any but Californians extravagantly flowery. The 
radiant, honey ful corollas, touching and overlapping and rising 
above one another, glowed in the living light like a sunset sky 
— one sheet of purple and gold. . . . Sauntering in any direc- 
tion, hundreds of these happy sun-plants brushed against my 
feet at every step and closed over them as if I were wading 
in liquid gold. The air was sweet with fragrance, the larks 



INTRODUCTORY 

sang their blessed songs, rising on the wing as I advanced, then 
sinking out of sight in the polleny sod ; while myriads of wild 
bees stirred the lower air with their monotonous hum — monot- 
onous, yet forever fresh and sweet as everyday sunshine." 



CIV 



PRELUDE 

O Land of the West ! I know 

How the field-flowers bud and blow, 

And the grass springs and the grain 

To the first soft touch and summons of the rain ! 

O, the music of the rain ! 

O, the music of the streams ! 

— Ina D. Coolbrith. 

Toward the end of our long cloudless summer, after most 
other flowers have stolen away, Mother Nature marshals her 
great order of Compositae for a last rally ; and they come as 
welcome visitants to fill the places of our vanished summer 
friends. 

Asters and goldenrods, grindelias, lessingias, and the numer- 
our tarweeds, with their cheerful blossoms, relieve the sober 
browns of sun-dried hill-slopes and meadows, or fringe with 
color our roadsides and salt marshes. 

But even these late-comers weary after a time, and one by 
one disappear, till there comes a season when, without flowers, 
Nature seems to be humbled in sackcloth and ashes. The 
dust lies thick upon roadside trees, a haze hangs like a veil in 
the air, and the sun beats down with fierce, continued glare. 

As this wears on day after day, a certain vague expectancy 
creeps gradually over the face of things — a rapt, mysterious 
aspect, foreboding change. One day there is a telltale clarity 
in the atmosphere. Later, the sky darkens by degrees, and a 
dull, leaden hue spreads over the vault of heaven. Nature 
mourns, and would weep. Her heart is full to bursting; still 
the tears come not. The winds spring up and blow freshly 
over the parched land. A few hard-wrung drops begin to fall, 



PRELUDE 

and at length there closes down a thoroughgoing shower. The 
flood-gates are opened at last; the long tension is over, and 
we breathe freely once more. 

During this first autumn rain, those of us who are so fortu- 
nate as to live in the country are conscious of a strange odor 
pervading all the air. It is as though Dame Nature were brew- 
ing a vast cup of herb tea, mixing in the fragrant infusion all 
the plants dried and stored so carefully during the summer. 

When the clouds vanish after this baptismal shower, every- 
thing is charmingly fresh and pure, and we have some of the 
rarest of days. Then the little seeds, harbored through the 
long summer in Earth's bosom, burst their coats and push 
up their tender leaves, till on hillside and valley-floor appears 
a delicate mist of green, which gradually confirms itself into 
a soft, rich carpet — and all the world is in verdure clad. Then 
we begin to look eagerly for our first flowers. 



FLOWER DESCRIPTIONS 



A FANCY 

I think I would not be 
A stately tree, 
Broad-boughed, with haughty crest that seeks the sky ! 

Too many sorrows lie 
In years, too much of bitter for the sweet : 
Frost-bite, and blast, and heat, 
Blind drought, cold rains, must all grow wearisome, 

Ere one could put away 

Their leafy garb for aye, 

And let death come. 

Rather this wayside flower, 

To live its happy hour 
Of balmy air, of sunshine, and of dew. 
A sinless face held upward to the blue ; 

A bird-song sung to it, 

A butterfly to flit 
On dazzling wings above it, hither, thither, — 
A sweet surprise of life, — and then exhale 
A little fragrant soul on the soft gale, 

To float — ah! whither? 

— Ina D. Coolbrith. 



I. WHITE 



White or occasionally or partially white flowers not described 
in the White Section. 



Described in the 
Anagallis arvensis — Pimpernel. 
Brodi^ea lactea — White Bro- 

diasa. 
Calochortus Weedii — Mariposa 

Tulip. 
Cuscuta — Dodder. 
Eriogonum ursinum. 
Erysimum grandiflorum — 

Cream-colored Wallflower. 

ESCHSCHOLTZIA CALIFORNICA — 

California Poppy. 

Described in the 
Apocynum cannabinum — 
American-Indian Hemp. 

DODECATHEON ClEVELANDI — 

Shooting-Stars. 

GlLIA ANDROSACEA. 

Lewisia rediviva — Bitter-Root. 
Oxalis Oregana — Redwood 
Sorrel. 



Yellow Section: — 

Flcerkea Douglasii — Meadow- 
Foam. 

Hemizonia luzul^folia — Tar- 
weed. 

HOSACKIA BICOLOR. 

Melilotus alba — White Sweet 

Clover. 
Pterospora andromedea — Pine - 

Drops. 
Verba scum Blattaria — Moth • 

Mullein. 

Pink Section: — 
Phlox Douglasii— Alpine Phlox. 
Rhus integrifolia — Lemonade- 
Berry. 
Rhus laurina — Sumach. 
Silene Gallica. 
Trientalis Europ^ea — Star- 
Flower. 



Described in the Blue and Purple Section: — 

Brodlea laxa — Ithuriel's Spear. Collinsia tinctoria 

Calochortus Catalin^e — Cata- 
lina Mariposa Tulip. 

Calochortus Maweanus — Cat's- 
Ears. 

Calochortus umbellatus — 
White Star-Tulip. 

Ceanothus divaricatus — Wild 
Lilac. 

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus — Cali- 
fornia Lilac. 

Collinsia bicolor — Collinsia. 



White 

Collinsia. 
Delphinium. 
Fritillaria liliacea — White 

Fritillary. 
Iris Douglasiana — Douglas Iris. 
Iris macrosiphon — Ground Iris. 
polygala cornuta. 
Scutellaria Californica — 

White Skullcap. 
Trillium sessile — Cal. Trillium. 



Described in the Red Section: — 
Gilia aggregata — Scarlet Gilia. Aouilegia oerulea. 

Described in the Miscellaneous Section: — 
Cephalanthera Oregana — Cypripedium montanum — 

Phantom Orchis. Mountain Lady's Slipper. 

Cypripedium Californicum — Disporum Menziesii — Drops of 

California Lady's Slipper. Gold. 

3 



WHITE 



TOOTHWORT. PEPPER-ROOT. SPRING-BLOSSOM. 

Dentaria Calif ornica, Nutt. Mustard Family. 

Roots. — Bearing small tubers. Stems. — Six inches to two feet high. 
Root-leaves. — Simple and roundish or with three leaflets. Stem-leaves. 
— Usually with three to five pinnate leaflets, one to three inches long. 
Flowers. — White to pale rose-color. Sepals and Petals. — Four. Sta- 
mens. — Four long and two short. Ovary. — Two-celled. Style simple. 
Pod. — Slender ; twelve to eighteen lines long. Syn. — Cardamine pau- 
cisecta, Benth. Hab. — Throughout the Coast Ranges. 

What a rapture we always feel over this first blossom of the 
year ! — not only for its own dear sake, but for the hopes and 
promises it holds out, the visions it raises of spring, with 
flower-covered meadows, running brooks, buds swelling every- 
where, bird-songs, and the air rife with perfumes. 

It is like the dove sent forth from the ark, this first tentative 
blossom, this avant courier of the great army of Crucifers, or 
cross-bearers, so called because their four petals are stretched 
out like the four arms of a cross. 

It is usually in some sheltered wood that we look for this 
first shy blossom; but once it has proved the trustworthiness 
of the skies, it is followed by thousands of its companions, 
who then come out boldly and star the meadows with their 
pure white constellations. 

The Latin name of this genus (from the word dens, a tooth), 
translated into the vernacular, becomes toothwort, the termina- 
tion wort signifying merely plant or herb. 

It was so named because of the toothed rootstocks of many 
species. 

The little tubers upon the root often have a pungent taste, 
from which comes one of the other common names — "pepper- 
root." Various other names have been applied to these flowers, 
such as "lady's smocks," "milkmaids," and "spring blossoms." 




TOOTHWORT—Dentaria Calif t 



WHITE 

ZYGADENE. 

Zygadenus Fremonti, Michx. Lily Family. 

Bulb. — Dark-coated. Leaves. — Linear; a foot or two long; two to 
twelve lines broad; deeply channeled. Scape. — Three inches to even 
four feet high. Flowers. — White. Perianth Segments. — Six ; three to 
seven lines long ; strongly nerved ; bearing at base yellow glands ; inner 
segments clawed. Stamens. — Six; shorter than the perianth. Ovary. — 
Three-celled. Styles three; short. Capsule.- — Three-beaked. Flab. — 
Coast Ranges, San Diego to Humboldt County. 

The generic name, Zygadenus, is from the Greek, and sig- 
nifies yoked glands, referring to the glands upon the base of 
the perianth segments. 

We have several species, the most beautiful and showy of 
which is Z. Fremonti. This is widely distributed, and grows 
in very different situations. In our central Coast Range its 
tall stems, with their lovely clusters of white stars, make their 
appearance upon rocky hill-slopes with warm exposure, in the 
shelter of the trees, soon after the toothwort has sprinkled 
the fields with its white bloom. In the south it rears its tall 
stems upon open mesas, unprotected by the shelter of friendly 
tree or shrub, and in some localities it makes itself at home in 
bogs. It is possible that the future may reveal the presence 
of more than one species. 

It has sometimes been called "soap-plant" ; but this name 
more appropriately belongs to Chlofogalum. It somewhat 
resembles the Star of Bethlehem of Eastern gardens. The fact 
that it grows in boggy places has given rise to the name of 
"water-lily" in certain localities , but this ought to be discoun- 
tenanced, as it bears % not the slightest resemblance to the mag- 
nificent water-lily of Eastern ponds. 

Another species — Z. venenosus, Wats. — is found from Mon- 
terey and Mariposa counties to British Columbia. This may 
be distinguished from the above by its narrow leaves — only 
two or three lines wide, — usually folded together, and by its 
smaller flowers, with perianth segments only two or three lines 
long ; and also by the fact that the stamens equal the segments 

6 




ZYGADENE — Zygadenus Fremonti. 



WHITE 

in length. The bulb is poisonous, and our Northern Indians 
call it "death camass," while the farmers in the Sierras call it 
"lobelia," not because of any resemblance to that plant, but 
because its poisonous effects are similar to those of the latter. 
It is fatal to horses, but hogs eat it with impunity, from which 
it is also known as "hogs' potato." It is found in moist 
meadows or along stream-banks, in June and July, from 
Mariposa and Monterey counties northward. 

POISON-OAK. 

Rhus diversiloba, Torr. and Gray. Sumach Family. 

Shrubs. — Three to fifteen feet high. Leaflets. — One to four inches 
long. Flowers. — Greenish white ; small. Sepals and Petals. — Usually 
five. Stamens. — As many or twice as many as the petals. Ovary. — One- 
celled. Styles three ; distinct or united. Fruit. — A small, dry, striate, 
whitish drupe. Hab. — Throughout California, save in the high Sierras. 

The presence of the poison- oak in our woods and fields 
makes these outdoor haunts forbidden pleasures to persons 
who are susceptible to it. It is closely allied to the poison-ivy 
of the Eastern States, and very similar in its effects. It is a 
charming shrub in appearance, with beautiful glossy, shapely 
leaves ; and in early summer, when it turns to many shades of 
scarlet and purple-bronze, it is especially alluring to the unsus- 
pecting. It is quite diverse in its habit, sometimes appearing 
as an erect shrub with slender stems, and again climbing 
trees or rock surfaces, by means of small aerial rootlets, to a 
considerable height. Once established aloft, it often attains 
a considerable girth, and intermingles its bower of beautiful 
foliage with that of its host. Horses eat the leaves without 
injury; and the honey which the bees distill from its small 
greenish-white flowers is said to be excellent. 

Many low plants seek the shelter of these shrubs, and some 
of our loveliest flowers, such as Clarkias, Godetias, Collinsias, 
Brodiseas, and Larkspurs, seem to realize that immunity from 
human marauders is to be had within its safe retreat. 

The remedies for oak-poisoning are numerous ; and it may 

8 




POISON-OAK— Rhus diversiloba. 



WHITE 

not be out of place to mention a few of them here. Different 
remedies are required by different individuals. Any of the 
following plants may be made into a tea and used as a wash: 
Grindelia, manzanita, wild peony, California holly, and Rham- 
nus Purshiana, or Calif ornica. Hot solutions of soda, Epsom 
salts, or saltpeter are helpful to many, and the bulb of the 
soap-root — Chlorogahim pomeridianum — pounded to a paste 
and used as a salve, allowing it to dry upon the surface and 
remain for some hours at least, is considered excellent. In 
fact, any pure toilet soap may be used in the same manner. 

WAKE-ROBIN. 

Trillium ovatum, Pursh. Lily Family. 

Rootstock. — Thickened. Stem. — Erect; stout; a foot or more high; 
bearing at summit a whorl of three sessile leaves. Leaves. — Rhom- 
boidal ; acuminate ; netted-veined ; five-nerved ; two to six inches long. 
Flower. — Solitary ; pure white, fading to deep rose ; peduncle one to 
three inches long. Sepals. — Three ; herbaceous. Petals. — One or two 
inches long. Stamens. — Six. Ovary. — Three-celled. Stigmas three ; 
sessile. Capsule. — Broadly ovate; six-winged. Hab. — The Coast 
Ranges, from Santa Cruz to British Columbia. 

The wake-robin is in the vanguard of our spring flowers, 
and a walk into some high, cold canon while the days are still 
dark and short will be amply rewarded by the rinding of its 
white and peculiarly pure-looking blossoms standing upon 
the bank overlooking the streamlet. The blossoms remain 
unchanged for a time, and then, as they fade, turn to a deep 
purplish rose-color. 

Our wake-robin ' so closely resembles T. grandiflorum, 
Salisb., of the Eastern States, that it seems a pity it should 
have been made into a different species. 

BEACH-STRAWBERRY. 

Fragaria Chilcnsis, Ehrhart. Rose Family. 
Hab. — The coast, from Alaska to San Francisco and southward. 

This beautiful strawberry is found growing near the sea- 
shore, where its large, delicious berries are often buried 




WAKE-ROBIN— Trillium ovatum. 



WHITE 

beneath the shifting sand, becoming bleached in color. It 
sometimes covers acres with its thick, shining, dark-green 
leaves, among which are sprinkled its large pure-white flowers, 
an inch or more across. 

The wood-strawberry — F. Calif omica — is very common in 
the Coast Ranges, and in favorable seasons yields quite agree- 
able fruit, though it is more often dry and flavorless, owing 
to dry weather at the time of maturing. A beautiful species 
with glaucous leaves and charming flowers, often double, and 
luscious though small fruit, is abundant in the Sierras. 

MANZANITA. BEARBERRY. 

Arctostaphylos manzanita, Parry. Heath Family. 

Shrubs three to twenty-five feet high, with purple-brown bark. 
Leaves. — Pale. Flowers. — White or pinkish ; in crowded clusters. 
Corolla. — Four or five lines long; campanulate. Stamens. — Ten, fila- 
ments dilated and bearded at base ; anthers two-celled, opening ter- 
minally, each cell furnished with a long downward-pointing horn. 
Ovary. — Globose ; five to ten-celled. Style simple. Fruit. — Six lines in 
diameter, containing several bony nutlets. Syn. — Arctostaphylos pun- 
gens, HBK. Hab. — Throughout the State. 

Of all our shrubs, the manzanita is the most beautiful and 
the best known. Sometimes as early as Christmas it may be 
found in full bloom, when its dense crown of pale foliage, sur- 
mounting the rich purple-brown stems, is thickly sown with 
the little clusters of fragrant waxen bells. After the blossoms 
have passed away, the shrubs put forth numerous brilliant 
scarlet or crimson shoots, which at a little distance look like a 
strange and entirely hew kind of blossoming. The manzanita 
is closely allied to the madrono, and resembles it in many 
ways, particularly in the annual peeling of its rich red bark 
and in the form of its flowers. 

The Greek generic name, translated into English, becomes 
"bearberry." The pretty Spanish name — from mansana, 
apple, and the diminutive, ita, — was bestowed by the early 
Spanish-Calif ornians, who recognized the resemblance of the 
fruit to tiny apples. 




MANZANITA — Arctostaphylos manzanita. 



WHITE 

We have many species of Arctostaphylos, but A. manzanita 
is the commonest of them all. It varies greatly in size and 
habit. In localities most favorable it becomes a large, erect 
shrub, with many clustered trunks, while in the Sierras it 
finds but a precarious footing among the granite rocks, often 
covering their surfaces with its small tortuous, stiff branches. 
The leaves, by a twisting of their stalks, assume a vertical 
position on the branches, a habit which enables many plants 
of dry regions to avoid unnecessary evaporation. 

The largest manzanita known is upon the estate of Mr. 
Tiburcio Parrott, in St. Helena, Napa County, California. It 
is thirty-five feet high, with a spread of branches equal to its 
height, while its trunk measures eleven and a half feet in cir- 
cumference at the ground, soon dividing into large branches. 
It is a veritable patriarch, and has doubtless seen many cen- 
turies. According to an interesting account in "Garden and 
Forest," it once had a narrow escape from the ax of a wood- 
man. A gentleman who was a lover of trees, happening to 
pass, paid the woodman two dollars to spare its life. 

Years ago no traveler from the East felt that he could 
return home without a manzanita cane, made from as straight 
a branch as could be secured. 

The berries of this shrub are dry and bony and quite un- 
satisfactory. They are, however, pleasantly acid, and have 
been put to several uses. It is said that both brandy and 
vinegar are made from them, and housewives make quite a 
good jelly from some' species. Bears are fond of the berries, 
and the Indians eat them, both raw and pounded into a flour, 
from which mush is made. The leaves made into a tincture 
or infusion are now an officinal drug, valued in catarrh of the 
throat or stomach. 

From Monterey to San Diego is found A. glanca, Lindl., 
the great-berried manzanita. It closely resembles the above, 
but its berries are three fourths of an inch in diameter. 

Of the same range as the last is A. bicolor, Gray, whose 

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leaves are of a rich, shining green above and white and woolly 
beneath. Its berries are the size of a pea, yellowish at first, 
and turning red later. 

A. nummularia, Gray, is a beautiful little species, with 
small, rounded, shining leaves, and exquisite clusters of small 
pink flowers, found on the southern slopes of Mt. Tamalpais 
and in the Santa Cruz Mountains. 

WATERCRESS. 

Nasturtium officinale, R. Br. Mustard Family. 
Hab. — Widely naturalized from Europe. 

The common watercress may be found in many of our 
streams, and can be easily recognized by its pinnate leaves 
with radish-like pungency and its clusters of small white 
flowers resembling the candytuft of our gardens. 

It has furnished a relish at many a woodland banquet, and 
it is gathered largely for our markets. It is not always safe 
to use the watercress offered for sale in cities, as it is often 
gathered from unclean places, where the germs of disease 
are rife. The plant eaten fresh as a salad or made into a 
tincture is said to be a valuable stimulant and alterative. 

RADISH. 

Raphanus sativus, L. Mustard Family. 

Coarse, more or less hispid herbs. Roots. — Tough and stringy. 
Leaves. — Lyrately pinnatifid. Flowers. — Cruciferous ; white, rose or 
lilac. Petals. — An inch or less long. Pods. — Cylindrical ; necklace-like ; 
pointed; two and one half inches long. (See Cruciferce.) Hab. — Intro- 
duced ; common everywhere. 

The wild radish is a very common weed, growing every- 
where in our fields and by the roadsides, and its blossoms 
may be seen at any time of year. In certain places, where it 
has been allowed to overrun the ground, I have seen its deli- 
cately tinted flowers growing in great masses that might have 
been considered truly beautiful had they been aught but com- 
mon weeds. 

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MAYWEED. CHAMOMILE. MANZANILLO. 

Anthemis cotida, L. Composite Family. 

Stems. — A foot high or less. Leaves. — Alternate; finely dissected 
into linear lobes ; strong-scented. Flower-heads. — Long-peduncled ; 
daisy-like ; of yellow disk-flowers and white rays. Involucre. — Hemi- 
spherical ; of many imbricated scales. Hab. — Introduced ; common and 
wide-spread. 

In early summer, after the hills have put on their straw 
tints, a revival of spring seems to have taken place upon 
certain distant slopes which have assumed a second verdure. 
A nearer approach will reveal the arrival of the Mayweed, or 
chamomile. All summer and late into the fall it tries to 
recompense us for the absence of most other flowers by pro- 
ducing its little daisy-like flowers in abundance. There is 
no mistaking its unpleasantly strong-scented herbage for any- 
thing else. 

In the olden time housewives brewed chamomile tea from 
its leaves, and the plant has a place among accredited drugs 
even to the present day. The Spanish-Californians know it 
as "manzanillo," and use it, dried and powdered, as a remedy 
for colic. In the Norse mythology this flower was sacred 
to Baldar, the god of the summer sun, and, with its yellow 
disk and white .rays, it was symbolical of the sun, with its 
beaming light. 

CALIFORNIA SAXIFRAGE. 

Saxifraga Calif omica, Greene. Saxifrage Family. 

Leaves. — Few ; all radical ; oval ; one to two inches long, on broad 
petioles six to twelve lines long. Scape. — Six to eighteen inches high. 
Flowers. — White or rose ; four or five lines across. Calyx. — Deeply 
five-cleft, with reflexed lobes. Petals. — Borne on the calyx. Stamens. 
-—Ten. Ovaries. — Two ; partly united. Styles short. Stigmas capitate. 
Syn. — 5". Virginiensis, Michx. Hab. — Throughout the State. 

In the rich soil of cool northward slopes, or on many a 
mossy bank amid the tender young fronds of the maidenhair, 
may be found the delicate clusters of our little California saxi- 
frage. The plants are small, with but a few, perhaps only one 

16 




CALIFORNIA SAXIFRAGE— Saxifraga Californica. 



WHITE 

or two, oval, rather hairy leaves, lying upon the ground, and a 
slender red scape upholding the dainty cluster of small white 
flowers. The tips of the calyx-lobes are usually red, and the 
wee stamens are pink. 

We have several species of saxifrage, most of which are 
plants of exceeding delicacy and grace, and with small flowers. 

MINER'S LETTUCE. INDIAN LETTUCE. 

Montia perfoliata, Howell. Purslane Family. 

Smooth, succulent herbs. Radical Leaves. — Long-petioled ; broadly 
rhomboidal; the earliest narrowly linear. Stems. — Simple; six to twelve 
inches high, having, near the summit, -a pair of leaves united around 
the stem. Flowers. — White. Sepals. — Two. Petals. — Five, minute. 
Stamens. — Five. Ovary. — One-celled. Style slender. Stigma three- 
cleft. Syn. — Claytonia perfoliata, Don. Hab. — Throughout California. 

Though our Indian lettuce is closely allied to the Eastern 
''Spring Beauty," one would never suspect it from its out- 
ward appearance and habit. The little flower-racemes look as 
though they might have pushed their way right through the 
rather large saucer-like leaf just below them. The succulent 
leaves and stems are greedily eaten by the Indians, from which 
it is called "Indian lettuce." 

Mr. Powers, of Sheridan, writes that the Placer County 
Indians have a novel way of preparing their salad. Gathering 
the stems and leaves, they lay them about the entrances of the 
nests of certain large red ants. These, swarming out, run all 
over it. After a time the Indians shake them off, satisfied that 
the lettuce has a pleasant sour taste equaling that imparted 
by vinegar. These little plants are said to be excellent when 
boiled and well seasoned, and they have long been grown in 
England, where they are highly esteemed for salads. 

OSO-BERRY. 

Nuttallia cerasiformis, Torr. and Gray. Rose Family. 

Deciduous shrubs ; two to fifteen feet high. Leaves. — Broadly ob- 
lanceolate ; two to four inches long; narrowed into a short petiole. 
Flozvers. — White ; in short terminal racemes ; dioecious ; three to eleven 

18 




MINER'S LETTUCE — Montia perfoliata. 



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lines across. Calyx. — Top-shaped, with five-lobed border. Petals. — 
Five ; inserted with ten of the stamens on the calyx ; broadly spatulate. 
Stamens. — Fifteen. Ovaries. — Five. Styles short. Fruit. — Blue-black, 
oblong drupes; six to eight lines long. Hab. — Chiefly the outer Coast 
Ranges from San Luis Obispo to Fraser River. 

About the same time that the beautiful leaves of the buck- 
eye are emerging from their wrappings, we notice in the woods 
a shrub which has just put forth its clusters of bright-green 
leaves from buds all along its slender twigs. Amid their 
delicate green hang short clusters of greenish-white flowers. 
These blossoms have a delicious bitter fragrance, redolent of 
all the tender memories of the springtime. 

This shrub is usually mistaken for a wild plum ; and the 
illusion is still further assisted when the little drupes, like min- 
iature plums, begin to ripen and hang in yellow and purple 
clusters amid the matured leaves. 



WOOD ANEMONE. WIND-FLOWER. 

Anemone quinque folia, L. Buttercup or Crowfoot Family. 

Rootstock. — Horizontal. Stem. — Six to fourteen inches high. Leaves. 
— Radical leaf, remote from the stem; trifid; the segments serrate. 
Involucral leaf not far below the flower ; three foliolate. Sepals. — 
Petaloid ; five or six ; usually bluish outside. Petals. — Wanting. Sta- 
mens and Pistils. — Numerous. Akenes. — Two lines long; twelve to 
twenty. Syn. — Anemone nemorosa, L. Hab. — The Coast Ranges, in 
moist shade. 

The delicate blossoms of the wood anemone might at first 
be confounded with those of the toothwort by the careless 
observer, but a moment's reflection will quickly distinguish 
them. The anemone is always a solitary flower with many 
stamens, and its petals are of a more delicate texture. It 
grows upon wooded banks or cool, shaded flats among the 
redwoods. 

There are many quaint traditions as to the origin of its 
name, and poets have from early times found something ideal 
of which to sing in these simple spring flowers. 

The generic name has the accent upon the third syllable, 

20 




WOOD ANEMONE — Anemone quinquefolia. 



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but, when Anglicized into the common name, the accent fall- 
back upon the second. 



WILD DATE. SPANISH BAYONET. 

Yucca Mohavensis, Sargent. Lily Family. 

Trunk. — Usually simple ; rarely exceeding fifteen feet high ; six or 
eight inches in diameter ; naked, or covered with refracted dead leaves, 
or clothed to the ground with the living leaves. Leaves. — Linear- 
lanceolate ; one to three feet long ; one or two inches wide ; rigid ; mar- 
gins at length bearing coarse recurved threads. Flowers. — In short- 
stemmed or sessile, distaff-shaped panicles, a foot or two long; pedicels 
eventually drooping, twelve to eighteen lines long. Perianth. — Broadly 
campanulate. Segments. — Six; thirty lines long; six to twelve wide. 
Stamens. — Six; six to nine lines long; filaments white, club-shaped. 
Ovary. — Three-celled ; oblong ; white ; an inch or two long, including 
the slender style. Stigmas three. Fruit. — Cylindrical; three or four 
inches long; pendulous, pulpy. Syn. — Yucca baccata, Torr. Hab. — 
Southern California, from Monterey to San Diego ; coast and inland. 

The genus Yucca comprises a number of species, and reaches 
its greatest development in northern Mexico. Of late it has 
been revised and divided into several genera, notably Yucca, 
Hesperoyucca, and Cleistoyucca. But for all practical purposes 
the common name, yucca, may still be applied to them all. 

They are all valuable to our Indians as basket and textile 
plants, and are useful to them in many other ways. 

Owing to the structure of the flowers, self-fertilization seems 
impossible, and scientists who have made a study of the sub- 
ject say that these plants are dependent upon a little white, 
night-flying moth to perform this office for them. This little 
creature goes from plant to plant, gathering the pollen, which 
she rolls up into a ball with her feet. When sufficient has 
been gathered, she goes to another plant, lays her egg in its 
ovary, and before leaving ascends to the stigma and actually 
pushes the pollen into it, seeming to realize that unless she 
performs this last act, there will be nothing for her progeny 
to eat. This seems an almost incredible instance of insect 
intelligence ; but it is a well-authenticated fact. 

Yucca Mohavensis, commonly called "wild date," or 

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"Spanish bayonet," is more widely distributed within our bor- 
ders than either of our other species. Its large panicle of 
overpoweringly fragrant white waxen bells is a striking object 
wherever seen. On the coast this yucca is often stemless, 
but in the interior, where it is more abundant, it rises to a 
considerable height, and culminates upon the Mojave Desert, 
where the finest specimens are found. 

The fruit, which ripens in August and September, turns 
from green to a tawny yellow, afterward becoming brownish 
purple, and eventually almost black. This has a sweet, suc- 
culent flesh, and, either fresh or dried, is a favorite fruit among 
the Indians. Dr. Palmer writes that this is one of the most 
useful plants to the Indians of New Mexico, Arizona, and 
southern California. They cut the stems into slices, beat 
them into a pulp, and mix them with the water in washing, 
as a substitute for soap. 

The leaves are parched in ashes, to make them pliable, and 
are afterward soaked in water and pounded with a wooden 
mallet. The fibers thus liberated are long, strong, and dur- 
able, and lend themselves admirably to the weaving of the 
gayly decorated horse-blankets made by the tribes of southern 
California. They also make from it ropes, twine, nets, hats, 
hair-brushes, shoes, mattresses, baskets, etc. 

FALSE SOLOMON'S SEAL. 

Smilacina sessilifolia, Nutt. Lily Family. 

Rootstock. — Slender; branching; creeping; scars not conspicuous. 
Stem. — About a foot long (sometimes two) ; usually zigzag above; leafy. 
Leaves. — Alternate ; sessile ; lanceolate ; two to six inches long ; shining 
above ; spreading in a horizontal plane. Flowers. — White ; few ; in a 
simple terminal raceme, on pedicels two to seven lines long. Perianth. 
— Of six,_ distinct, spreading segments. Segments. — One and one half 
to four lines long; lanceolate. Stamens. — Six; half the length of the 
segments. Ovary. — Three-celled. Style short. Berry. — Nearly black; 
three to five lines through. Hab. — Monterey to British Columbia. 

The false Solomon's seal is one of the prettiest plants in 
our woods in March, and in many places it almost hides the 

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ground from view. It has a graceful, drooping habit that 
shows its handsome, spreading leaves to full advantage, and 
its few delicate little white blossoms are a fitting termination 
to the pretty sprays. 

•S\ ample 'xicaulis, Nutt, is a very handsome, decorative plant, 
with fine, tall, leafy stem, and large, feathery panicle of tiny 
white flowers. The broadened white filaments are the most 
conspicuous part of these blossoms, which are less than a line 
long. The berries are light-colored, dotted with red or purple. 

WOODLAND STAR. 

Lithophragma affinis, Gray. Saxifrage Family. 

Stems. — Slender; six to twenty inches high. Root-leaves. — Round- 
reniform ; scalloped ; rarely an inch across. Stevn-leaves. — Three to 
five ; ternately cleft ; variously toothed. Flowers. — White ; in a loose 
raceme ; nine lines across. Calyx. — Small ; campanulate ; five-toothed. 
Petals. — Five ; wedge-shaped, with three acute lobes. Stamens. — Ten. 
Filaments very short. Ovary. — One-celled. Styles, three, short, stout. 
Stigmas, capitate. Hab. — Shady places almost throughout the State. 

"Star of Bethlehem" is the common name by which many 
of our children know this fragile flower. Its slender stems rise 
from many a mossy bank, upbearing their few delicately 
slashed, pure-white stars, which seem to shed a gentle radiance 
about them upon the woodland scene. They are very satis- 
factory flowers to gather, and though frail keep well in water. 

THIMBLE-BERRY. 

Rubus parviHorus, Nutt. Rose Family. 

Stems.— Three to eight feet high. Leaves. — Palmately and nearly 
equally five-lobed ; cordate at base ; four to twelve inches broad ; the 
lobes acute ; densely tomentose beneath. Flowers. — Few ; clustered ; 
white, sometimes pale rose ; one to three inches across, with five round- 
ed petals. Stamens and Pistils. — Numerous. Fruit. — Large ; red ; "like 
an inverted saucer" ; sweet and rather dry. Hab. — Monterey to Alaska. 

The thimble-berry is unequaled for the canopy of pure 
light-green foliage which it spreads in our woods. It would 
take the clearest of water-colors to portray its color and tex- 
ture. The large white flowers, with their crumpled petals, are 

24 




WOODLAND STAR— Lithophragma afhm 



WHITE 

deliriously fragrant, but with us are never followed by an 
edible fruit, probably owing to the dryness of our summer 
climate. In Oregon and northward the berries are said to be 
luscious. There the bushes grow in the fir forests, where they 
seem most at home. 

Rubus spectabilis, Pursh., the salmon-berry, has leaves with 
three leaflets, and large solitary, rose-colored flowers, which 
are followed by a salmon-colored berry. These shrubs are 
exceedingly beautiful when in full bloom. 

Rubus vitifolius, C. and S., the common wild blackberry, is 
too well-known to need more than a passing mention. 

STRAWBERRY CACTUS. 
CALIFORNIA FISH-HOOK CACTUS. LLAVINA. 

Mamillaria Goodridgii, Scheer. Cactus Family. 

Oval, fleshy, leafless plants ; mostly single, though sometimes clus- 
tered; three to five inches long; covered with prominences or tubercles. 
Tubercles. — Each bearing a flat rosette of short, whitish spines, with an 
erect, dark, fishhook-like central one. Flowers. — Small ; greenish- 
white. Outer Sepals. — Fringed. Petals. — About eight; awned. Sta- 
mens. — Numerous. Ovary. — One-celled. Stigmas five or six. Fruit. — 
Scarlet ; an inch long. Hab. — San Diego and neighboring islands, and 
southward. 

The dry hill-slopes about San Diego afford one of the most 
interesting fields accessible to civilization, — i. c, within our 
boundaries, — for the gathering and study of the cacti. 

Nestling close to the ground, usually under some shrub or 
vine, you will find the little fish-hook cactus, one of the pret- 
tiest and most interesting of them all. Its oval form bristles 
with the little dark hooks, each of which emanates from a flat 
star of whitish spines. 

The flowers may be found in April or May, but it is more 
noticeable when in fruit. The handsome scarlet berries, like 
old-fashioned coral eardrops, protruding from among the 
thorns, are easily picked out, and they very naturally find their 
way to one's mouth. Nor is one disappointed in the expecta- 
tion raised by their brilliant exterior — for the flavor is deli- 

26 



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cious, though I cannot say it resembles that of the strawberry, 
as some aver. To me it is more like a fine tart apple. 

COMMON WILD PEA. 

Lathy r us vestitus, Nutt. Pea Family. 

Stems. — One to ten feet high ; slender ; not winged. Leaves. — Alter- 
nate ; with small semi-sagittate stipules ; pinnate, with four to six pairs 
of leaflets ; tendril-bearing at the summit. Leaflets. — Ovate-oblong to 
linear ; six to twelve lines long ; acute. Flowers. — White, pale rose, or 
violet ; seven to ten lines long. Lower Calyx-teeth. — About equaling the 
tube. Corolla. — Papilionaceous ; the standard veined with purple in the 
center. Stamens. — Nine united; one free. Ovary. — Flattened; pubes- 
cent. Style hairy down the inner side. (See Le gummosa.) Hab. — 
Sonoma County to San Diego. 

The genus Lathyriis, which contains the beautiful sweet-pea 
of the garden, affords us several handsome wild species, but 
most of them are difficult of determination, and many of them 
are as yet much confused. This genus is quite closely related 
to Vicia, but, in general, the leaflets are broader, the flowers 
are larger, and the style is hairy down the inner side as well 
as at the tip. 

Lathyriis vestitus is the common wild pea. It is quite plen- 
tiful, and clambers over and under shrubs, hanging out its 
occasional clusters of rather large pale flowers. 

L. Torreyi, Gray, found from Santa Clara County to Napa 
in dry woods, is a slender plant, having from one to three 
small white or pinkish flowers. It is remarkable for and easily 
distinguished by its very fragrant foliage. 

WHITE LAYIA. WHITE DAISY. 

Layia glandulosa, Hook, and Arn. Composite Family. 

Stems. — Six to twelve inches high ; loosely branching ; hairy ; often 
reddish. Leaves. — Sessile ; linear ; the. upper all small and entire ; the 
lower often lanceolate and incised pinnatifid. Heads. — Usually large 
and showy. Ray-flowers. — Bright, pure white, sometimes rose-color; 
eight to thirteen ; three-lobed ; an inch or less long ; six lines wide. 
Disk-flowers. — Golden yellow ; five-toothed. Each scale of the involucre 
clasping a ray-flower. Hab. — Columbia River to Los Angeles. 

These white daisies, as they are commonly called in the 
south, cover the fields and plains in early spring, jostling one 



WHITE 

another in friendly proximity and stretching away in an end- 
less perspective. They are of a charming purity, and to me 
are more attractive than their sisters, the tidy-tips. 

They love a sandy soil, and I have seen them flourishing in 
the disintegrated granite of old river-beds, where the dazzling 
whiteness of the stones was hardly distinguishable from the 
blossoms. The involucre is thickly studded with curious little 
glands, resembling small glass-headed pins. 

WILD CUCUMBER. BIG-ROOT. CHILICOTHE. 

Echinocystis fabacea, Naudin. Gourd Family. 

Tendril-bearing vines, ten to thirty feet long. Root. — Enormous ; 
woody. Leaves. — Palmately five- to seven-lobed; three to six inches 
broad. Flowers. — Yellowish white ; monoecious. Calyx-tube. — Cam- 
panulate; teeth small or none. Corolla. — Five- to seven-lobed; three to 
six lines across. Staminate Flowers. — Five to twenty in racemes ; their 
stamens two and a half, with short connate filaments and somewhat 
horizontal anthers. Pistillate Flowers. — Solitary ; from the same axils 
as the racemes. Ovary. — Two- to four-celled. Fruit. — Two inches 
long; prickly. Syn. — Megarrhiza Calif ornica, Torr. Hab. — Near the 
coast, from San Diego to Point Reyes. 

The wild cucumber is one of our most graceful native vines. 
It drapes many an unslightly stump, or clambers up into 
shrubs, embowering them with its pretty foliage. Seeing its 
rather delicate ivy-like habit above ground, one would never 
dream that it ' came from a root as large as a man's body, 
buried deep in the earth. From this root, it has received two 
of its common names, "big-root" and "man-in-the-ground." 
Sometimes this may be seen upon the ocean beach or rolling 
about in the breakers; where it has been liberated by the wear- 
ing away of the cliffs. It is intensely bitter. 

The seeds have a very interesting method of germinating. 
The two large radical leaves remain underground, sending up 
the terminal shoot only. They are so tender and succulent 
that they would be eaten forthwith, if they showed themselves 
above the ground. An oil expressed from the roasted seeds has 
been used by the Indians to promote the growth of the hair. 

Authorities have differed about the classification of these 

28 




WILD CUCUMBER— Echinocystis fabac 



WHITE 

plants, and they have been variously called Megarrhiza, 
Micrampelis, and Echinocystis, the latter being latest approved. 
We have several species. One common in the South is E. 
macrocarpa, Green. . This has a large oval, prickly ball, four 
inches or so long. When mature, this opens at the top, split- 
ting into several segments, which gradually roll downward, 
like the petals of a beautiful white lily, showing their pure- 
white inner surfaces and leaving exposed the four cells in the 
center, with lacelike walls, in which nestle the large, handsome 
dark seeds. These seeds are often beautifully mottled and 
colored, and in the early days served the Spanish-Californian 
children for marbles. 

BED-STRAW. GOOSE-GRASS. CLEAVERS. 

Galium Aparinc, L. Madder Family. 

Climbing by the prickly stem-angles and leaf-margins. Stems. — 
Weak ; one to four feet long. Leaves. — In whorls of six to eight ; linear 
oblanceolate ; one inch long. Peduncles. — Elongated ; one- to two- 
flowered. Flowers. — Minute ; one line across ; greenish-white. Calyx- 
tube. — Adnate to the ovary; limb obsolete. Corolla. — Mostly four-cleft. 
Stamens. — Four. Ovary. — Two-lobed, two-celled. Styles two, short. 
Stigmas capitate. Fruit— Two or three lines across, covered with 
hooked bristles. Hab. — Throughout the State. 

All through our moist woodlands, in early spring, the long 
stems of the bed-straw may be found, running about upon the 
ground or entangled amid the stems of other plants. The 
angles of these weak stems and the leaf-margins and midribs 
are all clothed with small backward-pointing bristles, which 
make the plants cling to surrounding objects. The flowers are 
greenish and minute, and are followed by tiny prickly balls. 

A cold infusion of this little plant is used as a domestic 
remedy in cases of fever, where a cooling drink is desired. 

The genus has received the common name of "bed-straw," 
because it was supposed that one of the species, G. verutn, 
filled the manger in which was laid the Infant Jesus. There 
are a dozen or so species in California. 

Very conspicuous all through the south is G. an gusti folium 

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Nutt, often three feet high, sending up very numerous slender, 
feathery stems from a woody base. This has its small leaves 
in whorls of four. 

G. Nutt allii, Gray, still another species, is common from 
Marin County to San Diego. This has stems one to three 
feet high, or clambers higher over bushes. Its leaves are in 
whorls of four, or, at top, of two, and are two to five lines 
long. Its minute solitary flowers are followed by a small, 
smooth, purple berry two lines across. 

MOUNTAIN HEARTS-EASE. 

Viola Beckwithii, Torr. and Gray. Violet Family. 

Leaves. — Broadly cordate in outline; three-parted; the divisions cleft 
into linear or oblong segments. Peduncles. — About equaling the leaves. 
Petals. — Four to seven lines long ; very broad ; the upper deep purple, 
the others lilac, bluish, or white, veined with purple, with a yellowish 
base ; the lateral bearded ; the lowest emarginate. Stigma. — Bearded at 
the sides. Capsule. — Obtuse. (Otherwise as V. peduncidata.) Hah. — 
The central Sierras. 

" By scattered rocks and turbid waters shifting, 
By furrowed glade and dell, 
To feverish men thy calm, sweet face uplifting, 
Thou stayest them to tell 

" The delicate thought that cannot find expression — 
For ruder speech too fair, — 
That, like thy petals, trembles in possession, 
And scatters on the air." 

The poet, with a delicate insight, has made this mountain 
flower the reminder to the rugged miner of home and scenes 
far away. But the vision lasts for a moment only; then, as 
he brushes away a tear, his uplifted pick — 

" Through root and fiber cleaves — 
And on the muddy current slowly drifting 
Are swept thy bruised leaves. 

" And yet, O poet ! in tlry homely fashion- 
Thy work thou dost fulfill ; 
For on the turbid current of his passion 
Thy face is shining still. 

31 



WHITE 

WHITE FORGET-ME-NOT. NIEVITAS. 
POP-CORN FLOWER. 

Plagiobothrys nothofulvus, Gray. Borage Family. 

Stem or Stems. — Loosely branching, six to eighteen inches high, from 
a depressed rosette of leaves. Leaves. — Whitish, with short, fine pubes- 
cence. Inflorescence. — Scorpioid. Calyx. — Small, five-cleft almost to the 
middle ; deciduous, except at base. Corolla. — Five-lobed, with crested 
throat, white, three lines across. Stamens. — Five, on the corolla. Ovary. 
—Four-celled. Style. — One. Fruit. — Four seedlike nutlets. Hab. — 
Throughout the State, and northward to Washington. 

The wild white forget-me-nots are among our most wel- 
come flowers. Though not showy, taken singly, they often 
cover the fields, presenting the appearance of a light snowfall, 
from which fact the Spanish-Calif ornians have bestowed the 
pretty name "nievitas," the diminutive of nieve, snow. 

Their chief charm often lies in their pure, delightful fra- 
grance, which recalls the days of our careless, happy childhood. 
Children are keen observers of flowers, and are among their 
most appreciative lovers, and with them these modest, chaste 
little blossoms are special favorites. 

A rich purple stain or dye is contained in the root and stems. 



MIST-MAIDENS. 

RomanzofRa Califomica, Green. Baby-eyes or Waterleaf Family. 

Leaves mainly radical ; rounded and scalloped ;. six to eighteen lines 
across; smooth. Flowers. — White, pink, or purple; borne on scapes 
six inches high; in lax racemes. Calyx. — Deeply five-parted. Corolla. 
— Funnel-form; five-lobed; four lines long. Stamens.— Five. Ovary. — 
Two-celled. Hab. — Coast Ranges, from Santa Cruz northward. 

In appearance these delicate herbs resemble the saxifrages, 
and they affect much the same sort of places, decking mossy 
banks and stream borders with their beautiful scalloped leaves 
and small white flowers. 

The genus was named in honor of Nicholas Romanzoff, a 
Russian nobleman, who, by his munificence, enabled some noted 
botanists to visit this coast early in the last century. 



32 




WHITE FORGET-ME-NOT— Plagiobothrys nothofulvus. 



WHITE 

WILD BUCKWHEAT. 

Eriogonum fasciculatum, Benth. Buckwheat Family. 

Shrubby; very leafy. Leaves. — Alternate; much fascicled; nearly 
sessile ; narrowly oblanceolate ; acute ; tomentose beneath ; glabrous 
above ; three to nine lines long. Flowers. — White or pinkish ; in densely 
crowded compound clusters ; several perianths contained in the small 
involucres. Involucres. — Campanulate ; five- or six-nerved and toothed ; 
two lines high. Perianth. — Minute; of six nearly equal segments. (See 
Eriogonum umbellatum.) Hab. — Santa Barbara and southward; east 
to Arizona. 

The wild buckwheat is a characteristic feature of the south- 
ern landscape. It is a charming plant when in full bloom, and 
its feathery clusters of pinkish-white flowers show finely 
against the warm olive tones of its foliage. It is a very im- 
portant honey plant, as it yields an exceptionally pure nectar 
and remains in bloom a long time. Growing near the sea, 
it is often close-cropped and shorn by the wind, and then it 
quite closely resembles the Adenostoma, or chamisal. 

Another very widely distributed and common species is 
E. nudum, Dougl. Every one is familiar with its tall, green, 
naked, rushlike stems, bearing on the ends of the branchlets 
the small balls of white or pinkish flowers. Its leaves are 
all radical, smooth green above and densely white-woolly 
beneath. 

SIERRA PLUM. WILD PLUM. 

Prunus sabcordata, Benth. Rose Family. 

Trees or shrubs three to ten feet high, with ash-gray bark and branch- 
lets occasionally spinescent. Leaves. — Short-petioled ; ovate ; sharply 
and finely serrate; an inch or two long. Flowers. — Two to four in a 
cluster. Pedicels three to six lines long. White; six lines across. Fruit. 
— Red or purple; six to fifteen lines long; fleshy; smooth. (Otherwise 
as P. ilicifolia.) Hab. — Mostly eastward of the Central Valley, from 
San Felipe into Oregon. 

The wild plum reaches its greatest perfection in the north, 
where the shrubs are found in extensive groves covering whole 
mountain slopes. 

The flowers, which are produced before the leaves, from 
March to May, are white, fading to rose-color. By August 

34 



f#§L 




WILD BUCKWHEAT— Eriogonum fasciculatui 



WHITE 

and September, the bushes are loaded with the handsome 
fruit, richly mottled with red, yellow, and purple ; and these 
colors are duplicated in the autumn foliage, which in the north 
becomes very brilliant. 

The fruit is excellent for canning, preserving, and making 
into jelly. Many families make annual pilgrimages to these 
wild-plum orchards of the mountains and carry away bushels 
of the fruit ; but even then countless tons of it go to waste. 

P. demissa, Walpers, — the wild cherry or choke-cherry, — is 
found upon mountains throughout the State, but less abun- 
dantly near the coast. Its small white flowers grow in racemes 
three or four inches long, and these ripen into the pretty 
shining black cherries, half an inch in diameter. It often covers 
acres upon acres of rough land, and commences to bear when 
but two feet high. 

Housewives of our mountain districts make a marmalade 
of the fruit, which has a peculiarly delicious tart flavor. 



MODESTY. 

Whipplea modesta, Torr. Saxifrage Family. 

Slender, diffuse, hairy undershrubs. Leaves. — Opposite ; short- 
petioled ; ovate ; toothed or entire ; an inch or less long ; three-nerved. 
Flozvers. — White'; barely three lines across ; in small terminal clusters. 
Calyx. — White; five-cleft. Petals. — Five. Stamens. — Usually ten. Fila- 
ments awl-shaped. Ovary. — Three- to five-celled, globose. Styles of 
the same number. Hab. — Coast Ranges from Monterey to Mendocino 
County. 

Under the redwoods, or in moist canons in their vicinity, 
may be found this pretty undershrub trailing over banks or 
brushwood. In April its exquisite little clusters of pure white 
flowers, with a pleasant fragrance, make their appearance, and 
the plants have then been sometimes mistaken for a species of 
Ccanothns. 



36 




MODESTY— Whipplea modesta. 



WHITE 

MADRONO. MADRONE. 

Arbutus Menziesii, Pursh. Heath Family. 

Shrubs or trees. Leaves. — Alternate; petioled ; oblong; entire or ser- 
rulate ; four inches or so long. Flowers. — White ; waxen ; in large clus- 
ters. Calyx.— Five-cleft ; minute ; white. Corolla. — Broadly urn-shaped ; 
three lines long ; with five minute, recurved teeth. Stamens. — Ten ; on 
the corolla. Filaments dilated; bearded. Anthers two-celled; saccate; 
opening terminally; furnished with a pair of reflexed horns near the 
summit. Ovary. — Five-celled. Style rather long. Fruit. — A loose clus- 
ter of rather large scarlet-orange berries, with rough granular coats. 
Hab. — Puget Sound to Mexico and Texas ; especially in the Coast 
Ranges. 

Captain of the Western wood, 

Thou that apest Robin Hood ! 

Green above thy scarlet hose, 

How thy velvet mantle shows ; 

Never tree like thee arrayed, 

O thou gallant of the glade! 

When the fervid August sun 
Scorches all it looks upon, , 
And the balsam of the pine 
Drips from stem to needle fine, 
Round thy compact shade arranged, 
Not a leaf of thee is changed ! 

When the yellow autumn sun 
Saddens all it looks upon, 
Spreads its sackcloth on the hills, 
Strews its ashes in the rills, 
Thou thy scarlet hose dost doff, 
And in limbs of purest buff 
Challengest the somber glade 
For a sylvan masquerade. 

Where, oh where shall he begin 
Who would paint thee, Harlequin? 
With thy waxen, burnished leaf, 
With thy branches' red relief, 
With thy poly-tinted fruit, 
In thy spring or autumn suit, — 
Where begin, and oh, where end, — 
Thou whose charms all art transcend ? 
—Bret Harte. 

38 



WHITE 

The name "madrono" was applied by the early Spanish- 
Californians to this tree because of its strong resemblance and 
close relationship to the Arbutus unido, or strawberry-tree, of 
the Mediterranean countries, called madrono in Spain. 

Our madrono, though but a large shrub in the south, in- 
creases in size northward, and reaches its maximum develop- 
ment in Marin County, where there are some superb specimens 
of it. One tree upon the shores of Lake Lagunitas measures 
more than twenty-three feet in circumference and a hundred 
feet in height, and sends out many large branches, each two 
or three feet in diameter. 

A large part of the forest growth on the northern slopes of 
Mt. Tamalpais is composed of it; and as it is an evergreen, it 
forms a mountain wall of delightful and refreshing greenth the 
year around. The bark on the younger limbs, which is of a 
rich Indian red, begins to peel off in thin layers about mid- 
summer, leaving a clear, smooth, greenish-buff surface, and 
strewing the forest floor with its warm shreds, which, mingling 
with the exquisite tones of its ripened leaves, which have fallen 
at about the same time, make a carpet equal in beauty of color- 
ing to that under the English beeches. It is thoroughly patri- 
cian in all its parts. The leaves which are clustered at the 
ends of the slender twigs are rich, polished green above, and 
somewhat paler beneath. 

In the spring it puts forth great panicles of small, white, 
waxen bells, which call the bees to a sybaritic feast, and in the 
autumn it spreads a no less inviting repast in its great clusters 
of fine scarlet berries for the blue pigeons who visit it in large 
flocks. 

The wood of the madrone is hard and close-grained, of a 
light brown, shaded with red, with lighter-colored sap-wood. 
It is used in the manufacture of furniture, but is particularly 
valuable for the making of charcoal to be used in the com- 
position of gunpowder. The bark is sometimes used in tanning 
leather. 

39 



WHITE 

ELLISIA. 

Ellisia chrysanthemifolia, Benth. Baby-eyes or Waterleaf Family. 

More or less hairy. Stems. — Loosely branching; a foot or so high. 
Leaves. — Mostly opposite; auricled at base; twice- or thrice-parted into 
many short, small lobes. Flowers. — In loose racemes ; white ; three lines 
or so across._ Calyx. — Five-cleft; without appendages at the sinuses; 
almost equaling the corolla. Corolla — Open-campanulate ; having ten 
minute scales at base within. Stamens. — Five. Ovary. — One-celled; 
globose. Style slender; two-cleft. Hab. — San Francisco to San Diego. 

These little plants, with delicately dissected leaves, are com- 
mon in moist, shaded localities ; but, unfortunately, their foliage 
has a very strong odor, which just escapes being agreeable. 
Their general aspect is somewhat similar to that of some of 
the small species of Nemophila; but the lack of appendages 
upon the calyx reveals their separate identity. It blooms 
freely from March to June, and is especially abundant south- 
ward. 

HELIOTROPE. 

Heliotr opium Curassavicnm, L. Borage Family. 

Diffusely spreading ; six to twelve inches high. Leaves. — Alternate 
sessile; obovate to linear; an inch or two long; succulent; glaucous. 
Flozvers. — Usually white, sometimes lavender ; in dense, usually two- 
forked spikes. Calyx. — Five-parted. Corolla. — Salver-form ; border 
five-lobed, with plaited sinuses; three lines across. Stamens. — Five. 
Anthers sessile. . Ovary. — Of four seedlike nutlets. Stigma umbrella- 
like. Hab. — Widely distributed. 

This, the only species of true heliotrope common within 
our borders, is widely distributed over the world. It affects 
the sand of the seashore or saline soils of the interior. It is 
in no way an attractive plant, as compared with our garden 
heliotrope, as its flowers have a washed-out look and are not 
at all fragrant, while its pale stems and foliage lack color and 
character. 

Its leaves, which contain a mucilaginous juice, are dried and 
reduced to powder by the Spanish-Californians, who esteem 
them very highly as a cure for the wounds of men and animals. 
They blow the dry powder into the wound. 

40 



WHITE 

COMMON ELDER. 

Sambucus glauca, Nutt. Honeysuckle Family. 

Shrubby or arborescent ; often thirty feet high ; with finely fissured 
bark. Leaves. — Opposite ; petioled ; pinnate. Leaflets. — Three to nine ; 
lanceolate ; acuminate ; serrate ; two inches or so long ; smooth. Flowers. 
— Minute ; two or three lines across ; in large, flat, five-branched cymes ; 
white. Calyx. — Five-toothed. Corolla. — Rotate ; five-lobed. Stamens. — 
Five; alternate with the corolla lobes. Ovary — Three- to five-celled. 
Stigmas of same number. Berries. — Small ; dark blue, with a dense 
white bloom. Hab. — Throughout the State; common. 

The elder is one of our most widely distributed shrubs, and 
is a familiar sight upon almost every open glade or plain. It 
is especially abundant in the south. Its flower-clusters, made 
up of myriads of tiny cream-white blossoms, make a showy 
but delicate and lacelike mat, while its berries are beautiful 
and inviting. The bears are especially appreciative of these, 
and we have sometimes seen their footprints leading along a 
lonely mountain road to the elder-berry bushes. The fruit is 
prized by our housewives for pies and preserves, and it would 
doubtless make as good wine as that of the Eastern species. 

Among the Spanish-Californians the blossoms are known 
as "sauco" and are regarded as an indispensable household 
remedy for colds. They are administered in the form of a tea, 
which induces a profuse perspiration. It is said that Dr. 
Boerhaave held the elder in such reverence for the multitude 
of its virtues that he always removed his hat when he passed it. 

In ancient times the elder was the subject of many strange 
superstitions. In his interesting book, "The Folk-Lore of 
Plants," Mr. Thistleton Dyer says that it was reputed to be 
possessed of magic power, and that any baptized person whose 
eyes had been anointed with the green juice of its inner bark 
could recognize witches anywhere. Owing to these magic 
properties, it was often planted near dwellings to keep away 
evil spirits. By making a magic circle and standing within it 
with elder-berries gathered on St. John's Night, the mystic 
fern-seed could be secured which possessed the strength of 
forty men and enabled one to walk invisible. This was one 

4i 



WHITE 

of the trees suspected as having furnished wood for the Cross ; 
and to this day the English country people believe themselves 
safe from lightning when standing under an elder, because 
lightning never strikes the tree of which the Cross was made. 
We have another elder, — Sambucus callicarpa, Greene, — not 
as common as the above, distinguished by its thinner, more 
pointed leaflets, its ovate clusters of dull white flowers, and 
its beautiful scarlet berries. This is found along watercourses 
in the mountains of the Coast Ranges. 

COULTER'S SNAPDRAGON. 

Antirrhinum Coulterianum, Benth. Figwort Family. 

Stems. — Two to four feet high ; smooth below. Leaves. — Linear to 
oval; distant. Tendril-shoots long and slender, produced mostly below 
the flowers. Flowers. — White or violet ; in densely crowded villous- 
pubescent spikes, two to ten inches long. (Otherwise as A. vagans.) 
Hab. — Santa Barbara to San Diego. 

The flowers of this pretty snapdragon are usually white, and 
the lower lip, with its great palate often dotted with dark color, 
takes up the larger part of the blossom. They are sometimes 
violet, however, when they much resemble the flowers of 
the toad-flax, but are without their long spur. 

A. Orcuttianum, Gray, is a similar species, but more slender, 
with fewer and smaller flowers, whose lower lip is not much 
larger than the upper, and whose flower-spikes are disposed 
to have the tortile branchlets in their midst. This is found 
near San Diego and southward. 

HOREHOUND. 

Marrubium vulgare, Linn. Mint Family. 
The horehound has been introduced from Europe at various 
points along our Coast, but it is now so abundant as to seem 
like an indigenous plant. It has many white-woolly, square 
stems, and roundish, wrinkly opposite leaves, covered beneath 
with matted, white-woolly hairs. Its small, white, bilabiate 
flowers are crowded in the axils of the upper leaves so densely 
as to appear like whorls. It may be known from the other 

42 



WHITE 

members of the Mint family by its campanulate calyx with ten 
strong, recurved teeth. 

This has long been used in medicine as a tonic, and is espe- 
cially esteemed by our Spanish-Californians as a remedy for 
colds and lung troubles. 

WILD WHITE LILAC. 

Ceanothus velutinus, Dougl. Buckthorn Family. 

Widely branching shrubs, two to six feet or more high. Leaves. — 
Alternate; petioled; roundish, or broadly ovate; eighteen lines to three 
inches long ; polished, resinous above ; somewhat pubescent beneath ; 
strongly three-nerved. Flowers. — White ; three lines across ; in large, 
dense, compound clusters four or five inches long and wide. (See 
Ceanothus, for flower structure.) Hab. — Coast Ranges; Columbia 
River, southward to San Francisco Bay; also eastward to Colorado. 

Its ample bright-green, highly varnished leaves and large 
white flower-clusters make this a very beautiful species of 
Ceanothus. The foliage is glutinous with a gummy exudation, 
which has a rather disagreeable odor. Yet the shrub would 
be very handsome in cultivation. In the Sierras, particularly 
about the shores of Lake Tahoe, this forms extensive thickets, 
and is a characteristic feature of the landscape. 

Closely associated with this in this mountain region is 
Ceanothus cordulatus, Kellogg, the "snow-bush," which may 
be easily recognized by its low-spreading habit, generally gray- 
green aspect, and its thorny widely diverging branchlets. Its 
low, thicket-like mats afford shelter for the birds, and, early 
in the season, it is covered with an abundant feathery white 
bloom, like a heavy snowfall, on the branches. 

WHITE NEMOPHILA. 

Nemophila atomaria, Fisch. and Mey. Baby-eyes or Waterleaf Family. 

Corolla. — Pure white, closely dark-dotted nearly to the edge ; an inch 
or less across ; densely hairy within the tube. Scales of the corolla 
narrow, with long hairs. (Otherwise as N. insignis.) Hab. — Central 
California. 

This delicate Nemophila haunts wet, springy places among 
the hills, and is at its best in early spring. There are a number 

43 



WHITE 

of small-flowered forms of Nemophila which have been hitherto 
referred to N. parvfflora, but which the future will probably 
prove to constitute a number of species. 

A r . metadata, Benth., found in middle California and the 
high Sierras, is a charming form, with large flowers, whose 
petals bear strong violet blotches at the top. 

RATTLE-WEED. LOCO-WEED. 

Astragalus leucopsis, Torr. and Gray. Pea Family. 

Stems. — A foot or so high. Leaflets. — In many pairs ; six lines or 
more long. Flowers. — Greenish-white ; six lines long ; in spikelike 
racemes an inch or two long. Calyx. — With teeth more than half the 
length of the campanulate tube. Pod. — Thin; bladdery-inflated; an inch 
or more long, on a smooth stalk twice or thrice the length of the 
calyx-tube. (See Astragalus.) Hab. — Santa Barbara to San Diego. 

These plants are very noticeable and quite pretty, with their 
pale foliage, symmetrical leaves, and white flowers ; but they 
are dreaded by the farmers of the region of their growth, who 
aver that they are deadly loco-weeds. It is said that native 
stock will not touch them ; but animals brought from a distance, 
and unacquainted with them, eat them, with dreadful results 
of " loco," or insanity. 

We have numerous species, all rather difficult of deter- 
mination. 

WILD MORNING-GLORY. 

Convolvulus luteolus, Gray. Morning-Glory Family. 

Stems. — Twining and climbing twenty feet or more. Leaves. — Alter- 
nate ; sagittate ; two inches or so long ; smooth. Peduncles. — Several- 
flowered ; axillary, with -two small linear-lanceolate bracts a little below 
the flower. Flowers. — Cream-color or pinkish, sometimes deep rose. 
Sepals. — Five ; without bracts immediately below them. Corolla. — Open 
funnel-form; eighteen lines long; not lobed or angled. Stamens. — Five. 
Ovary. — Globose ; two-celled or imperfectly four-celled. Style filiform. 
Stigmas two. Hab. — Throughout California. 

I remember long stretches of mountain road where the wild 
morning-glory has completely covered the unsightly shrubs 
charred by a previous year's fire, flinging out its slender 
stems, lacing and interlacing them in airy festoons, which are 

44 




RATTLE-WEED— Astragalus I euc op sis 



WHITE 

covered with the fragile flowers in greatest profusion. In these 
tangles the industrious spiders have hung their exquisite geo- 
metrical webs, which catch the glittering water-drops in their 
meshes. When the sun comes out after a dense, cool fog-bath 
on a summer morning, nothing more charmingly fresh could 
be imagined than such a scene. 

The common morning-glory of the south — C. occidentalism 
Gray — is very similar to the above, but may be distinguished 
from it by the pair of large, thin bracts immediately below 
the calyx and enveloping it. 

Another very pretty species is C. villosus, Gray. This is 
widely distributed, but not very common. Its trailing stems 
and foliage are of a velvety sage-gray throughout, and its 
small flowers of a yellowish cream-color. The hastate leaves 
are shapely, and the whole plant is charming when grown 
away from dust. 

The common European bindweed — C. arvensis, L. — is to 
the farmer a very unwelcome little immigrant. In fields it 
becomes a serious pest; for the more its roots are disturbed 
and broken up the better it thrives. But despite its bad char- 
acter, we cannot help admiring its pretty little white funnels, 
which lift themselves so debonairly among the prostrate stems 
and leaves. 

In medicine a tincture of the whole plant is valued for 
several uses. 

WOOD-BALM. PITCHER-SAGE. 

Sphacele 'calycina, Benth. Mint Family. 

Woody at the base; two to five feet high; hairy or woolly. Leaves. — 
Two to four inches long. Flowers. — Dull white or purplish ; an inch or 
more long; mostly solitary in the upper axils. Calyx. — Five-cleft. 
Corolla. — Having a hairy ring at base within. Stamens. — Four, in two 
pairs. Ovary. — Of four seedlike nutlets. Style filiform. Stigma two- 
lobed. Hab. — Dry hills. San Francisco Bay, southward. 

The wood -balm is closely allied to the sages, which fact is 
betrayed by its opposite, wrinkly, sage-scented leaves ; but its 
flowers have quite a different aspect. These are ample and 

46 




PITCHER-SAGE— Sphacele calycina. 



WHITE 

cylindrical, with a five-lobed border, one of the lobes being 
prolonged into somewhat of a lip. 

The generic name is from the Greek word meaning sage; 
and the specific name, signifying cuplike, refers to the shape 
of the blossoms. 

The dwellers among our southern mountains, with that 
happy instinct possessed by those who live close to the heart 
of nature, have aptly named this "pitcher-sage." 

After the flowers have passed away, the large inflated, light- 
green calyxes, densely crowded upon the stems, become quite 
conspicuous. 

YUCCA-PALM. TREE- YUCCA. JOSHUA-TREE. 

Cleistoyucca arborescens, Trelease. Lily Family. 

Scraggly trees ; thirty or forty feet high ; with trunks one or two feet 
in diameter. Leaves. — Eight inches long ; crowded ; rigid ; spine-tipped ; 
serrulate ; the older ones reflexed and sun-bleached, the younger ashy- 
green. Flowers. — In sessile, ovate panicles, terminating the branches. 
Panicles several inches long. Perianth. — Narrowly campanulate ; eigh- 
teen to thirty lines long. Fruit. — Two or three inches long. (Otherwise 
as Yucca Mohavensis.) Syn. — Yucca arborescens, Trelease. Hab. — 
Southwestern Utah to the Mojave Desert. 

The traveler crossing the Mojave Desert upon the railroad 
has his curiosity violently aroused by certain fantastic tree 
forms that whirl by the car windows. These are the curious 
Joshua-trees of the Mormons, which are called in California 
tree-yucca or yucca-palm. A writer in "The Land of Sun- 
shine" thus aptly characterizes them : — "Weird, twisted, de- 
moniacal, the yuccas remind me of those enchanted forests 
described by Dante, whose trees were human creatures in tor- 
ment. In twisted groups or standing isolated, they may readily 
be imagined specters of the plains." 

Mr. Sargent tells us that, though found much to the east- 
ward of our borders, it abounds in the Mojave Desert, where 
it attains its largest size and forms a belt of gaunt, straggling- 
forest several miles in width along the desert's western rim. 

Its flowers appear from March to May, but are not at all 

48 



WHITE 

attractive, on account of their soiled white color and disagree- 
able, fetid odor. "The unopened panicles form conspicuous 
cones eight to ten inches long, covered with closely overlapping 
white scales, often flushed with purple at the apex." 

The seeds are gathered and used by the omnivorous Indians, 
who grind them into meal, which they eat either raw or cooked 
as a mush. The wood furnishes an excellent material for paper 
pulp, and some years ago an English company established a 
mill at Ravenna, in Soledad Pass, for its manufacture. It is 
said that several editions of a London journal were printed 
upon it, but owing to the great cost of its manufacture, the 
enterprise had to be abandoned. 

The light wood is put to many uses now, and in the curio 
bazaars of the south it plays a conspicuous part, made into 
many small articles. By sawing round and round the trunk of 
the tree, thin sheets of considerable size are procured. A 
sepia reproduction of one of the old missions upon the ivory- 
tinted ground of one of these combines sentiment and novelty 
in a very pretty souvenir. Surgeons find these same sheets 
excellent for splints, as they are unyielding in one direction 
and pliable in the other ; and orchardists wrap them around the 
bases of their trees to protect them from the gnawing of rabbits. 

SALAL. WINTERGREEN. 

Gaultheria Shallon, Pnrsh. Heath Family. 

Shrubby, and one to three or more feet high or prostrate. Leaves. — 
Alternate ; short-petioled ; ovate to elliptical ; pointed ; two to four 
inches long; leathery; bristle-toothed when young; evergreen. Flozvcrs. 
— Manzanita-like ; slenderer ; glandular-viscid ; white or pinkish. Ovary. 
— Five-celled. Style single. Fruit. — Black; berry-like; aromatic; edible. 
(Flower-structure similar to that of Arctostaphylos mansanita.) Hab. — 
Coast woods, from Santa Barbara County to British Columbia. 

The floor of the redwood forest in our northern coast 
counties is often carpeted with this little undershrub, while in 
other places one can wade waist-deep in it. It grows much 
larger north of us, and upon Vancouver Island it forms dense, 
impenetrable thickets. Its dark-purple berries have a very 

49 



WHITE 

agreeable flavor, and form an important article of diet among 
the Oregon Indians, who call them "salal." 

WHITE EVENING PRIMROSE. 

(Enothera Calif omica, Watson. Evening-Primrose Family. 

Hoary pubescent, and more or less villous. Stems. — A foot or so 
high. Leaves. — Oblanceolate or lanceolate ; sinuately toothed or irreg- 
ularly pinnatifid ; two to four inches long. Flowers. — White; turning 
to rose-color; two inches across. Ovary and Calyx-tube. — Over three 
mches long. Calyx-lobes. — One inch long; separate at the tips. (See 
(Enothera for flower-structure.) Hab. — Central and southern Califor- 
nia ; especially about the San Bernardino region ; not' plentiful. 

Perhaps the most beautiful of all our evening primroses is 
this charming white species. Late in the afternoon the hand- 
some silvery foliage begins to show the great white, opening 
moons of the fragile blossoms. Their silken texture, deli- 
cate fragrance, and chaste look make them paramount among 
blossoms. 

It is a most interesting sight to watch the opening of one 
of the nodding silvery buds. I sat down by one which had 
already uplifted its head. The calyx-lobes had just commenced 
to part in the center, showing the white, silken corolla tightly 
rolled within. It grew larger from moment to moment, when 
suddenly the calyx-lobes parted with a jerk, and the petals, 
freed from their bondage, quickly spread wider and wider, as 
though some spirit within were forcing its way out, while one 
after another the calyx-lobes were turned downward with a 
quick, decisive movement. It was a wonderful exhibition of 
the power of motion in plants. I could now look within and 
see a magical tangle of yellow anthers delicately draped with 
cobwebby ropes of pollen. 

The stamens take a downward curve toward the lower petal. 
The anthers have already opened their stores of golden pollen 
before the unfurling of the buds, so that the somewhat sticky 
ropes are all ready to adhere to the first moth who visits the 
flower in search of the delicious and abundant nectar stored 
in the depth of the long calyx-tube. The day following their 

50 




WHITE EVENING PRIMROSE— (Enothcra 



Calif omica. 



WHITE 



opening the blossoms begin to turn to a delicate pink, and the 
calyx-lobes have a fleshlike look. 



EVENING SNOW. 

Gilia dichotoma, Benth. Phlox or Polemonium Family. 

Six inches to a foot high ; erect ; sparsely leaved. Leaves. — Opposite ; 
mostly entire ; filiform. Flowers. — Nearly sessile in the forks, or ter- 
minal. Calyx. — With cylindric tube five lines long ; wholly white, 
scarious, except the five filiform green ribs, continued into needle-like 
lobes. Corolla. — White ; an inch or two across. Anthers linear. Hob. — 
Throughout the western part of the State. 

This is one of the most showy of our gilias. Miss Eastwood 
writes of it: — "At about four o'clock in the afternoon Gilia 
dichotoma begins to whiten the hillside. Before expansion the 
flowers are hardly noticeable ; the dull pink of the edges, which 
are not covered in the convolute corolla, hides their identity 
and makes the change which takes place when they unveil 
their radiant faces to the setting sun the more startling. They 
intend to watch all night and by sunset all are awake. In 
the morning they roll up their petals again when daylight 
comes on, and when the sun is well up all are asleep, tired out 
with the vigil of the night. The odor is most sickening. . . . 
The same flower opens several times, and grows larger as it 
grows older.". 

HEART'S-EASE. 

Viola ocellata, Torr. and Gray. Violet Family. 

Stems. — Nearly erect ; six to twelve inches high. Leaves. — Cordate ; 
acutish ; conspicuously crenate. Petals. — Five to seven lines long; the 
upper white within, deep brown-purple without; the others white or 
yellowish, veined with purple ; the lateral with a purple spot near the 
base and slightly bearded on the claw. (Flower structure as in V. 
pcdunculaia.) Hob. — Wooded districts from Monterey to Mendocino 
County. 

This dainty little heart's-ease has nothing of the gay, joyous, 
self-assertive look of our yellow pansy, but rather the shy, 
timid mien belonging to all the creatures of the woodland. It 
ventures its pretty blossoms in late spring and early summer. 

52 



WHITE 

ICE-PLANT. 

Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, L. Fig-Marigold Family. 

Procumbent, succulent plants, covered with minute, elongated, glis- 
tening papillae. Leaves. — Flat ; ovate or spatulate ; undulate-margined ; 
clasping. Flowers. — White or rose-colored ; axillary ; nearly sessile ; 
rather small. Calyx. — With campanulate tube and usually five unequal 
lobes. Petals. — Linear ; numerous. Stamens. — Numerous. Ovary. — 
Two- to many-celled. Stigmas five. Hob. — The Coast and adjacent 
islands from Santa Barbara southward; also in the Mojave Desert. 

The ice-plant spreads its broad, green leaves over the 
ground, often making large rugs, which, when reddened by 
the approach of drouth and glistening with small crystals, pro- 
duce a charming effect. The flat leaves of this plant are quite 
unexpectedly different from those of our other species of Me- 
sembryanthemum, which are usually cylindrical or three- 
angled. The leaf-stems and the calyx-tube, in particular, are 
beautifully jeweled with the clear, glasslike incrustation. The 
flesh-pink or almost white flowers resemble small sea-anemones, 
with their single row of tentacle-like petals and hollow tube 
powdered with the little white anthers. 

The plant grows so abundantly in the fields of the southern 
seasides as to be a dreadful pest to the farmer, and it is very 
disagreeable to walk through, as it yields up the water of its 
crystals very readily, and this is said to be of an alkaline 
quality, which is ruinous to shoe-leather. 

This ice-plant grows plentifully in the chalky regions of 
France, and has there been recommended for use as a food, to 
be prepared like spinach. It also grows in the Canary Islands. 

SQUAW-GRASS. SOUR-GRASS. TURKEY-BEARD. 

Xerophyllum tenax, Nutt. Lily Family. 

Radical leaves. — Very numerous; two or three feet long; about two 
lines broad ; gracefully flexile ; serrulate. Scape. — Two to five feet high ; 
with scattered leaves ; bearing at top a dense raceme a foot or two 
long. Perianth segments. — Six; spreading rotately; four or five lines 
long; white. Stamens. — Six. Ovary. — Three-celled. Styles three; fili- 
form. Hab. — Coast Ranges to British Columbia; and northern Sierras. 

Often upon high ridges we notice the large clumps of 
certain plants with long, slender, grasslike leaves, which ray 
out in every direction like a fountain, and resemble a small 

53 



WHITE 

pampas-grass before it flowers. We naturally wonder what the 
plants are, but it may be several years before our curiosity is 
satisfied. Suddenly some spring we find them sending up tall 
blossom-shafts, crowned with great airy plumes of pure-white 
flowers, fully worthy of our long and patient waiting. After 
putting forth this supreme effort of a lifetime, and maturing 
its seed, the plant dies. 

In the north, where it is sometimes very abundant, and occu- 
pies extensive meadows, it is known as "sour-grass." The 
name "squaw-grass" is also applied there, because the leaves, 
which are long, wiry, and tough, are used by the Indians in the 
weaving of some of their finest baskets. Baskets made from 
them are particularly pliable and durable. 

The leaves, with their rough serrulate edges, are not pleasant 
to handle. 

PELICAN-FLOWER. POP-CORN FLOWER. 

Orthocarpus versicolor, Greene. Figwort Family. 

Slender; seldom branching or more than six inches high. Herbage 
slightly reddish. Leaves. — Cleft into filiform divisions at the apex. 
Flowers. — Pure white, fading pinkish ; very fragrant. Lower lip of the 
corolla with three very large sacs. Folds of the throat densely bearded. 
(See Orthocarpus.) Hab. — San Francisco and Marin County. 

During the spring the meadows about San Francisco are 
luxuriantly covered with snowy masses of the fragrant white 
pelican-flower. Dr. Kellogg saw in these queer little blossoms, 
with their large pouches and long beaks, something suggestive 
of the pelican. The name does not apply to all species of 
Orthocarpus, however, as all have not this aspect, only those 
belonging to a certain section of the genus. 

TOLGUACHA. LARGE-FLOWERED DATURA. 

Datura meteloides, DC. Nightshade Family. 

(For flower structure, see D. Stramonium.) 

Hab. — Southern California, and northward — at least to Stockton. 

The large-flowered datura is a common plant along southern 

roadsides, producing in early May its enormous white or violet- 

54 




PELICAN-FLOWER— Orthocarpus versicolor. 



WHITE 

tinged funnels, which are sometimes ten inches long. It 
resembles the common Jamestown-weed, of which it is a near 
relative, but may be distinguished by its large flower and its 
cylindrical calyx, which is not angled. It shares with the 
Jamestown-weed its narcotic poisonous qualities, and is a 
famous plant among our Indians. Dr. Palmer writes that they 
bruise and boil the root in water, and when the infusion thus 
made is cold, they drink it to produce a stupefying effect. In 
a different degree they administer it to their young dancing- 
women as a powerful stimulant, and before going into battle 
the warriors take it to produce a martial frenzy in themselves. 
By the Piutes it is called "main-oph-weep." The specific 
name, meteloides, indicates the resemblance of this plant to 
Datura Metel, of India. 

SATIN-BELL. LANTERN OF THE FAIRIES. 
WHITE GLOBE-TULIP. 

Calochortus albus, Dougl. Lily Family. 

Stem. — One or two feet high; branching. Radical leaves; a foot or 
two long. Flowers. — White. Sepals. — Lanceolate. Petals. — Twelve to 
fifteen lines long ; pearly white, sometimes lavender-tinged outside ; cov- 
ered within with long, silky white hairs. Gland. — Shallow, crescent- 
shaped, with four transverse scales fringed with short glandular hairs. 
(See Calochortus.) Hab. — Coast Ranges and Sierras, San Diego to 
San Francisco Bay and Butte County. 

Just before the oncoming of summer our wooded hill-slopes 
and canon-sides entertain one of the most charming of flowers ; 
for the graceful stalks of the satin-bell begin to hang out 
their delicate white globes. Never was flower more exquisite 
in texture and fringing — never one more graceful in habit. ,If 
fairies have need of lanterns at all, these blossoms would cer- 
tainly make very dainty globes to hold their miniature lights. 

Wherever they grow, these flowers win instant and enthusi- 
astic admiration ; and they have received a variety of common 
names in different localities, being known as "snowy lily-bell," 
"satin-bell," "hairbell," "lantern of the fairies," and "white 
globe-tulip." 

56 




SATIN-BELL— Calochortus albi 



WHITE 

YERBA SANTA. MOUNTAIN BALM. 

Eriodictyon Calif or nicum, Greene. Baby-eyes or Waterleaf Family. 

Shrubby ; three to five feet high. Leaves. — Thick ; glutinous ; smooth 
above; light beneath, with prominent net-veining; three to six inches 
long. Flowers. — Purple, violet, or white. Calyx. — Five-parted. Corolla. 
— Six lines long; four lines across. Stamens. — Five; alternate with the 
corolla-lobes. Ovary. — Two-cellecl. Styles two. Hab. — Western Cali- 
fornia; common on dry hills. 

The bitter, aromatic leaves of the yerba santa are a highly 
valued domestic remedy for colds, and many old-fashioned 
people would not be without it. 

Dr. Bard, one of our most eminent physicians, writes of 
this interesting little shrub: — "It has been reserved for the 
Californian Indians to furnish three of the most valuable vege- 
table additions which have been made to the pharmacopoeia 
during the last twenty years. One, the Eriodictyon glut in o- 
sum, growing profusely in our foothills, was used by them in 
affections of the respiratory tract, and its worth was so appre- 
ciated by the missionaries that they named it yerba santa, or 
holy plant." 

The other plants referred to by Dr. Bard are the Rhamnus, 
or Cascara sagrada, and the Grindelia. In the mountains of 
Mariposa County, it is known as "wild peach," probably be- 
cause the leaf somewhat resembles the peach-leaf. 

Dr. Behr writes that considerable quantities of it are ex- 
ported, partly for medicinal purposes, and partly as a harmless 
and agreeable substitute for hops in the brewing of certain 
varieties of beer, especially porter. 

In Ventura County this passes by insensible gradations into 
E. tomentosum, Benth., and there it is difficult to distinguish 
clearly between the two species. 

E. tomentosum, Benth., is found from San Diego probably 
to Santa Barbara. This comely shrub is so disguised in its 
woolly coat that one does not at first detect its close relation- 
ship to the more common yerba santa. Its broad, oval leaves, 
ribbed like the chestnut and closely notched, and its generous 

58 




VERBA SANTA-Eriodictyon Califomic 



WHITE 

clusters of unusually large violet flowers, serve to bewilder us 
for the moment. The wool upon the foliage gives it a gray- 
green tone, harmonizing perfectly with the violet flowers. It 
is specially abundant all over the mesas by the seashore near 
San Diego. 

ALUM-ROOT. 

Heuchera Hartwcgii, Dougl. Saxifrage Family. 

Rootstock. — Stout. Leaves. — All radical ; two to four inches long. 
Scapes. — Often two feet high. Flowers. — White ; minute ; in loose pani- 
cles. Calyx. — Five-toothed ; one or two lines long. Petals. — Five ; one 
line long ; on the sinuses of the calyx. Stamens. — Five. Ovary. — One- 
celled. Styles two. Syn. — Heuchera micrantha, Dougl. Hab. — Coast 
Ranges and Sierras from Monterey to British Columbia. 

Upon almost any drive or walk along a shaded road we 
may find the alum-root hanging over a mossy bank. Its large, 
airy panicle is composed of minute flowers, and appears in 
early summer. But it is more conspicuous for its exquisite 
foliage than for its flowers. The leaves are usually mottled in 
light green and richly veined in dark brown or red, and they 
often turn to a rich red later in the season. 

The root is woody and astringent, to which latter fact the 
plant owes its English name, which it shares with the other 
members of the genus. These are very satisfactory plants to 
bring in from the woods, because they remain beautiful in 
water for many weeks. 

CASCARA SAGRADA. CALIFORNIA COFFEE. 

Rhamnus Calif ornica, Esch. Buckthorn Family. 

Shrubs. — Four to eighteen feet high. Leaves. — Alternate ; elliptic to 
oblong; denticulate or entire; leathery; one to four inches long; six to 
eighteen lines wide. Flowers. — Clustered ; greenish white ; small. Calyx. 
— Five-toothed. Petals. — Five; minute; on the sinuses of the calyx; 
each clasping a stamen. Ovary. — Two- to four-celled. Style short. 
Fruit. — Berry-like; black; four to six lines long; containing two or 
three nutlets, like coffee-beans. Hab. — Throughout California. 

Long before the advent of the Spanish, the medicinal virtues 
of this shrub were known to the Indians, who used it as a 
remedy for rheumatism and, according to Dr. Bard, to cor- 

60 




Wl 






JH 



IPliPii 




ALUM-ROOT— Heuch-era Hartwegii 



WHITE 

rect the effects of an acorn diet. The Mission Fathers after- 
ward came to appreciate its worth so highly that they bestowed 
upon it the name Cascara sagrada, or "the sacred bark." Since 
those early days the fame of it has spread the world around. 
No more valuable laxative is known to the medical world 
to-day, and every year great quantities of it are exported 
from our shores. Though the shrub is found as far south as 
San Diego, the bark is not gathered in any quantity south of 
Monterey, as it becomes too thin southward. The shrub goes 
under a variety of names, according to the locality in which it 
is found. In Monterey County it is known as "yellow-boy" or 
"yellow-root," and in Sonoma County it becomes "pigeon- 
berry," because the berry is a favorite food of the wild pigeons, 
and lends to their flesh a bitter taste. 

Some years ago quite an excitement prevailed in the State 
when some visionary persons believed they had found a perfect 
substitute for coffee in the seeds of this shrub. To be sure, 
they do somewhat resemble the coffee-bean in form, but the 
resemblance goes no further; for upon a careful analysis they 
revealed none of the qualities of coffee, nor upon roasting did 
they exhale its aroma. After much discussion of the matter 
and the laying out in imagination of extensive, natural coffee- 
plantations upon our wild hill-slopes, these hopeful people were 
destined to see their project fall in ruins. 

This shrub is very variable, according to the locality where 
it grows. Under shade, the leaves become herbaceous and 
ample, and as we go northward that becomes the prevailing 
type, and is then called R. Piirshiana, DC. It is then often 
very large, having a trunk the size of a man's body. In Ore- 
gon it is known as "chittemwood" and "bitter bark," and also 
as "wahoo" and "bear-wood." The var. tomentella, Brew, and 
Wats., is densely white-tomentose, especially on the under sur- 
faces of the leaves. 



(.2 



WHITE 

EVERLASTING FLOWER. LADY'S TOBACCO. 

Gnaphalium decurrens, Ives. Composite Family. 

Viscid-glandular under the loose hairs. Flower-heads. — In densely 
crowded, flattish clusters. Involucre. — Campanulate ; of very numerous, 
scarious, yellowish-white, oval scales. (Otherwise similar to Anaphalis 
margaritacea.) Flab. — From San Diego through Oregon. 

The common everlasting flower, or cudweed, is plentiful 
upon our dry hills, blooming in early summer, where its white 
clusters are conspicuous objects amid the drying vegetation. 
In our rural districts it is believed that sleeping upon a pillow 
made of these flowers will cure catarrhal affections. 

The var. G. Calif ornicwm (Syn. — G. Calif ornicum,T>C.) gen- 
erally has a bright white involucre, rarely tinged with rose, and 
obtuse scales. 

G. Sprengelii, Hook, and Arn., may be known from the 
above by its densely gray, woolly herbage, which is not glan- 
dular-viscid. It is also common throughout the State. 

The beautiful edelweiss of the Alps is a species of Gnapha- 
lium, G. leontopodium. 

HOLLY-LEAVED CHERRY. ISLAY. 

Prunus ilicifolia, Walp. Rose Family. 

Evergreen shrubs or small trees ; eight to thirty feet high. Leaves. — 
Alternate ; holly-like ; an inch or two long. Flowers. — White ; three 
lines across ; in racemes eighteen lines to three inches long. Calyx. — 
Five-cleft. Petals. — Five ; spreading. Stamens. — Twelve to twenty-five. 
Ovary. — Solitary; one-celled. Style terminal. Fruit. — A dark-red 
cherry, becoming black ; six lines in diameter. Hab. — Coast Ranges, 
San Francisco into Lower California. 

The holly-leaved cherry is a very ornamental shrub, with 
its shining, prickly evergreen leaves, and it is coming more and 
more into favor for cultivation, especially as a hedge-shrub. 
In its natural state it attains its greatest perfection in the moun- 
tains near Santa Barbara and southward. On dry hills it is 
only a shrub, but in the rich soil of canon bottoms it becomes 
a tree. Some of the finest specimens are to be found in the 
gardens of the old missions, where they have been growing 
probably a century. 

63 



WHITE 

Dr. Behr tells us that the foliage, in withering, develops 
hydrocyanic acid, the odor of which is quite perceptible. The 
leaves are then poisonous to sheep and cattle. 

The shrubs are specially beautiful in spring, after they have 
made their new growth of bright green at the ends of the 
branches, and put forth a profusion of feathery bloom. The 
blossoms have the pleasant, bitter fragrance of the cultivated 
cherry, and attract myriads of bees, who make the region 
vocal with their busy hum. The fruit, which ripens from Sep- 
tember to December, is disappointing, owing to its very thin 
pulp, though its astringent and acid flavor is not unpleasant. 

It was used by the aborigines as food, however, and made 
into an intoxicating drink by fermentation. The meat of the 
stones ground and made into balls constituted a delicate morsel 
with them. 

YERBA BUENA. 

Micromeria Douglasii, Benth. Mint Family. 

Aromatic trailing vines. Stems. — Slender ; one to four feet long. 
Leaves. — One inch long ; round-ovate. Flowers. — Solitary ; axillary ; 
white or purplish. Calyx. — Five-toothed; two lines long. Corolla. — 
Five lines long; bilabiate. Stamens. — Four; in pairs on the corolla. 
Ovary. — Of four seedlike nutlets. Style filiform. Stigma unevenly 
two-lipped. Hab. — Vancouver Island to Los Angeles County. 

The yerba buena is as dear to the Californian as the May- 
flower to the New Englander, and is as intimately associated 
with the early traditions of this Western land as is that deli- 
cate blossom with the stormy past of the Pilgrim Fathers. Its 
delicious, aromatic perfume seems in some subtle way to link 
those early days of the Padres with our own, and to call up 
visions of the long, low, rambling mission buildings of adobe, 
with their picturesque red-tiled roofs ; the flocks and herds 
tended by gentle shepherds in cowls ; and the angelus sound- 
ing from those quaint belfries, and vibrating in ever-widening 
circles over hill and vale. 

Before the coming of the Mission Fathers, the Indians used 
this little herb, placing great faith in its medicinal virtues, 

64 




YERBA BXJENA—Micromeria Douglasii 



WH1 TE 

so that the Padres afterward bestowed upon it the name of 
"yerba buena" — "the good herb." It is still used among our 
Spanish-Californians in the form of a tea, both as a pleasant 
beverage and as a febrifuge, and also as a remedy for indiges- 
tion and other disorders. 

They designate this as "Yerba Buena del Campo" — i. e. 
the wild or field yerba buena, — to distinguish it from the 
"Yerba Buena del Poso" — "the herb of the well," — which is 
the common garden-mint growing in damp places. 

Aside from its associations and medicinal virtues, this is a 
charming little plant. In half-shaded woods its long, graceful 
stems make a trailing interlacement upon the ground and yield 
up their minty fragrance as we pass. 

MATILIJA POPPY. 

Romneya Coulteri, Harv. Poppy Family. 

Stems. — Numerous ; several feet high. Leaves. — Alternate, petioled ; 
the lower pinnatifid, the upper pinnately cut or toothed ; glaucous, three 
to five inches long ; sometimes sparingly ciliate, with rigid spinose 
bristles. Flowers. — Solitary; white; five to nine inches across. Sepals. 
— Three; perfectly smooth; caducous. Petals. — Six. Stamens. — Very 
numerous. Filaments. — Filiform; thickened above; yellow; purple be- 
low. Ovary. — Seven- to eleven-celled. Stigmas. — Several. Hab. — San- 
ta Barbara to San Diego. 

The Matilija poppy (pronounced ma-til'li-ha) must be con- 
ceded the queen of all our flowers. It is not a plant for small 
gardens, but the fitting adornment of a large park, where it 
can have space and light and air to rear its imperial stems 
and shake out its great diaphanous flowers. It is justly far- 
famed, and by English gardeners, who now grow it success- 
fully, it is regarded as a priceless treasure, and people go 
from many miles around to see it when it blooms. It is to be 
regretted that our flowers must go abroad to find their warmest 
admirers. 

This plant was named in honor of Dr. Romney Robinson, 
a famous astronomer. Its common name was given it because 
it grows in particular abundance in the Matilija Canon, some 

66 




MATILIJA POPPY— Romneya Coulteri. 



WHITE 

miles above Ventura in the mountains. Many people have the 
mistaken idea that it grows only in that region. It is not 
common, by any means ; but it is found in scattered localities 
from Santa Barbara southward into Mexico. It is very abun- 
dant near Riverside, and also upon the southern boundary 
and below in Lower California, where the plants cover large 
areas. It not only grows in fertile valleys, but seeks the seclu- 
sion of remote caiions, and nothing more magnificent could 
be imagined than a steep caiion-side covered with the great 
bushy plants, thickly sown with the large white flowers. 

The buds are closely wrapped in three overlapping sepals. 
These gradually open, and at dawn the buds unfurl their 
crumpled petals to the day, exhaling a pleasant fragrance. The 
blossoms remain open for many days. 

These plants have long been in use among the Indians of 
Lower California, who esteem them highly for their medicinal 
qualities. The seeds require a long period for germination, 
and they have been known to come at the end of two years. 
The better method of propagation is from root-cuttings. 

The plant has been called ''Mission poppy" and "Giant 
California!! white poppy," but the pretty Indian name cannot 
be improved upon. 

For many years R. Coulteri was supposed to be the only 
species of Romneya, but Miss Alice Eastwood has recently 
discovered and described another, R. trichocalyx, Eastwood. 
This is of somewhat different habit, and spreads by means 
of stolons, or root offshoots, while R. Coulteri is erect and 
branching. This also has its foliage slashed into long slender 
segments and its buds covered with appressed bristly hairs. 
Both species occur in scattered localities from Santa Barbara 
southward into Lower California. 

WHITE SAGE. GREASEWOOD. 

Audibertia polystachya, Benth. Mint Family. 

Shrubby, three to ten feet high ; many-stemmed. Leaves. — Oppo- 
site ; lanceolate ; narrowing into a petiole ; several inches long. Flowers. 



WHITE 

— White or pale lavender, in loose panicles a foot or two long. Calyx. 
— Tubular ; bilabiate. Corolla. — About six lines long, with short tube 
and bilabiate border. Upper lip small ; erect. Lower lip three-lobed ; 
the middle lobe large. Stamens. — Two; jointed. Ovary. — Of four seed- 
like nutlets. Style slender. Stigma two-cleft. Hab. — Santa Barbara to 
San Diego. 

The classic honey of Hymettus could not have been clearer 
or more wholesome than that distilled by the bees from the 
white sage of southern California, which has become justly 
world-renowned. The plants cover extensive reaches of valley 
and hill-slopes, and are often called "greasewood." 

Certain it is that the white stems have a very greasy, gummy 
feel and a rank, aggressive odor. In spring the long, coarse, 
sparsely leafy branches begin to rise from the woody base, 
often making the slopes silvery ; and by May these have fully 
developed their loose, narrow panicles of pale flowers and 
yellowish buds. 

The structure of these blossoms is very interesting. The 
long, prominent lower lip curves downward and upward and 
backward upon itself, like a swan's neck, while the two stamens 
rising from its surface lift themselves like two long horns, and 
the style curves downward. 

A bee arriving at this flower naturally brushes against the 
stigma, leaving upon it some of the pollen gained from another 
flower. Then alighting upon the lower lip, his weight bends it 
downward, and he grasps the stamens as convenient handles, 
thus drawing the anthers toward his body, where the pollen is 
dusted upon his coat as he probes beneath the closed upper lip 
for the honey in the depths of the tube. The various sages of 
the south have a very interesting way of hybridizing. 

CHAMISAL. CHAMISO. GREASEWOOD. 

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Hook, and Arn. Rose Family. 

Shrubs two to twenty feet high, with gray, shreddy bark and reddish, 
slender branches. Leaves. — Two to four lines long; linear to awl- 
shaped; smooth; clustered. Stipules small; acute. Flozvers. — White; 
two lines across ; in terminal racemose panicles. Calyx. — Five-toothed ; 
with bracts below resembling another calyx; tube ten-ribbed. Petals. — 

69 



WHITE 

Five. Stamens. — Ten to fifteen; in clusters between the petals. Ovary. 
— One-celled. Fruit. — A dry akene. Hab. — Widely distributed. 

The chamisal forms a large part of the chaparral of our 
mountain slopes, and when not in bloom gives to them much 
the aspect imparted to the Scotch Highlands by the heather. 
It is an evergreen shrub, with small clustered, needle-like 
leaves. In late spring it is covered with large feathery 
panicles of tiny white blossoms, which show with particular 
effectiveness against the rich olive of its foliage, and furnish 
the bees with valuable honey material for a considerable season. 
When interspersed with shrubs of livelier greens, it gives to 
our hill-slopes and mountain-sides a wonderfully rich and 
varied character. In the summer of a season when it has 
flowered freely, the cinnamon-colored seed-vessels blending 
with the olives of the foliage lend a rich, warm bronze to 
whole hillsides, forming a charming contrast to the straw tints 
and russets of grassy slopes, and adding another to the many 
soft harmonies of our summer landscape. It is most abundant 
in the Coast Ranges, where, in some localities, it covers mile 
after mile of hill-slopes with its close-cropped, uniform growth. 

When the chaparral, or dense shrubby growth of our moun- 
tain-sides, is composed entirely of Adenostoma, it is called 
chamisal. 

Another species, A. sparsifolium, Torr., found in the south, 
and somewhat resembling the above, may be known from it 
by its lack of stipules, its scattered, not clustered leaves, which 
are obtuse and not pointed, and its somewhat larger flowers, 
each one pediceled. 

This is commonly known among the Spanish-Californians 
as "Yerba del Pasmo," literally the "herb of the convulsion," 
and among them and the Indians it is a sovereign remedy for 
many ailments, being considered excellent for colds, cramps, 
and snakebites, and an infallible cure for tetanus, or lockjaw. 
The foliage fried in grease becomes a healing ointment. 

The bark of this species is reddish and hangs in shreds. 

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CALIFORNIA BUCKEYE. 
CALIFORNIA HORSE-CHESTNUT. 

JEsculus Calif arnica, Nutt. Maple or Soapberry Family. 

Shrubs or trees ten to forty feet high. Leaves. — Opposite ; petioled; 
with five palmate, stalked leaflets. Leaflets. — Oblong; acute; three to 
five inches long ; serrulate. Flowers. — White ; in a thyrse a foot long ; 
many of them imperfect. Calyx. — Tubular ; two-lobed. Petals. — Four 
or five ; six lines or more long ; unequal. Stamens. — Five to seven ; 
exserted. Anthers buff. Ovary. — Three-celled. Nuts. — One to three 
inches in diameter ; usually one in the pod. Hab. — Coast Ranges of 
middle California; also the Sierra foothills. 

Our California buckeye is closely allied to the horse- 
chestnuts and buckeyes of the eastern half of the continent. 
It is usually found upon stream-banks or the side-walls of 
cations, and reaches its greatest perfection in the valleys of our 
central Coast Ranges. It usually branches low into a number 
of clean, round, light-gray limbs, which widen out into a 
broad, dense, rounded head. Its leaves are fully developed 
before the flowers appear. When in full bloom, in May, it is 
considered one of the most beautiful of all our American 
species. Its long, white flower-spikes, sprinkled rather regu- 
larly over the green mound of foliage, are very suggestive of 
a neat calico print. Early to come, the leaves are as early to 
depart, and by midsummer the beautiful skeleton is often bare, 
its interlacing twigs making a delicate network against the 
deep azure of the sky. 

Though lavish in its production of flowers, usually but one 
or two of the large cluster succeed in maturing fruit. By 
October and November the leathery pods begin to yield up 
their big golden-brown nuts, which are great favorites among 
the squirrels. The Indians are said to resort to these nuts in 
times of famine. Before using them, they roast them a day or 
two in the ground, to extract the poison. 

The inner wood of the root, after being kiln-cured for sev- 
eral weeks, becomes very valuable to the cabinet-maker. It 
is then of an exquisite mottled green, and when highly polished 
can hardly be distinguished from a fine piece of onyx. 

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PUSSY'S-PAWS. 

Spraguea umbellata, Torr. Purslane Family. 

Radical leaves. — Spatnlate or oblanceolate ; six lines to four inches 
long. Stem-leaves. — Similar, but smaller, often reduced to a few bracts. 
Scapes. — Several ; two to twelve inches high. Flowers. — In dense spikes. 
Sepals. — Two ; orbicular ; thin ; papery ; two to four lines across ; 
whitish; equaling the petals. Petals. — Four; rose-color. Stamens. — 
Three. Ovary. — One-celled. Style bifid. Hab. — The Sierras, from the 
Yosemite to British Columbia. 

Pussy's-paws is a very plentiful plant in the Sierras, usu- 
ally growing upon dry, rocky soil. It varies much in aspect, 
sometimes sending up a stout, erect flower-scape, and again 
growing low and matlike with its prostrate flower-stems radi- 
ating from the center. It blooms from early summer onward, 
often almost covering the ground with its blossoms. The 
flower-clusters grow in a bunch, much like the pink cushions 
on pussy's feet, whence the pretty common name. 

THISTLE-POPPY. CHICALOTE. 

Argemone platyccras, Link and Otto. Poppy Family. 

Stems. — One to two and one half feet high; hispid throughout, or 
armed with rigid bristles or prickles. Sap yellow. Leaves. — Thistle- 
like ; three to six inches long. Flowers. — White; two to four inches in 
diameter. Sepals. — Three ; spinosely beaked. Petals. — Four to six. 
Stamens. — Numerous. Filaments slender. Ovary. — Oblong; one-celled. 
Stigma three- or four-lobed. Capsule very prickly. Hab. — Dry hill- 
sides from central California southward. 

The thistle-poppy would be considered in any other country 
a surpassingly beautiful flower, with its large diaphanous white 
petals and its thistly gray-green foliage, but in California it 
must yield precedence to the Matilija poppy. It resembles the 
latter very closely in its flower, and is often mistaken for it. It 
may be known by its yellow juice, its prickly foliage, and its 
very prickly capsules. I believe the flowers are somewhat 
more cup-shaped than those of Romneya. 

It affects dry hill-slopes and valleys, often otherwise barren, 
where it is conspicuously beautiful, and may be found in full 
bloom in May. 

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RUBY LILY. CHAPARRAL LILY. REDWOOD LILY. 

Lilium rubescens, Wats. Lily Family. 
Hab. — The Coast Ranges, from Marin County to Humboldt County. 

This is the most charming of all our California lilies, even 
surpassing in loveliness the beautiful Washington lily ; and it 
is said to be the most fragrant of any in the world It resem- 
bles the Washington lily ; but its flowers are fuller in form, 
with wider petals and shorter tube, and it has a smaller bulb. 
It sends up a noble shaft, sometimes seven feet high, with 
many scattered whorls of undulate leaves, and often bears at 
the summit as many as twenty-five of the beautiful flowers. 
These are at first pure white, dotted with purple, but they soon 
take on a metallic luster and begin to turn to a delicate pink, 
which gradually deepens into a ruby purple. Mr. Purdy men- 
tions having seen a plant with a stalk nine feet high, bearing 
thirty-six flowers. 

The favorite haunts of this lily are high and inaccessible 
ridges, among the chaparral, or under the live-oak or redwood. 
Comparatively few people know of its existence, though living 
within a few miles of it, because they rarely ever visit these 
out-of-the-way fastnesses of nature. 

Mr. Burroughs has somewhere said : "Genius is a specialty ; 
it does not grow in every soil, it skips the many and touches 
the few ; and the gift of perfume to a flower is a special grace, 
like genius or like beauty, and never becomes common or 
cheap." Certainly these blosoms have been richly endowed 
with this charming gift, and their delicious fragrance wafted 
by the wind often betrays their presence upon a hillside when 
unsuspected before, so that one skilled in woodcraft can often 
trace them by it. 

SPANISH BAYONET. OUR LORD'S CANDLE. 

Hesperoyucca Whipplei, Engelm. Lily Family. 

Without a trunk. Leaves. — All radical in a bristling hemisphere ; 
sword-like. Flower-panicles. — Distaff-shaped; three or more feet long; 
at the summit of a leafless bracteate scape, ten or fifteen feet high. 

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RUBY LILY— Lilium rubescen. 



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Perianth. — Rotately spreading; waxen-white (sometimes rich purple), 
often green- or purple-nerved. Filaments. — Clavate; pure white. An- 
thers transverse ; yellow. Style very thick ; three-angled. Stigma 
stalked ; green ; covered with tiny prominences. Fruit. — A dry capsule. 
(Structure otherwise as in Yucca Mohavensis.) Syn. — Yucca Whipplei, 
Torr. Hab. — Monterey to San Diego and eastward. 

In spring and early summer the chaparral-covered hillsides 
of Southern California present a wonderful appearance when 
hundreds of these Spanish bayonets are in bloom. From day 
to day the waxen tapers on the distant slopes increase in 
height as the white bells climb the slender shafts. At length 
each cluster reaches its perfection, and becomes a solid distaff 
of sometimes two — yes, even six — thousand of the waxen 
blossoms ! 

A friend writing of them, once said: — "Nearly every poet- 
aster in the country has sung the praises of the yellow pop- 
pies and the sweet little Nemophilas, but not one, so far as I 
know, has ever written a stanza to these grand white soldiers 
with their hundred swords." There is, indeed, something 
glorious and warlike about them, as they marshal themselves 
to the defense of our hillsides. 

This surpasses all known species in the height and beauty 
of its flower-panicles ; but, once the season of flowering and 
fruiting has been consummated, its life mission is fulfilled, and 
the plant dies. The dead stalks remain standing sometimes 
for years upon the mountain-sides. 

The seeds of this species, as well as those of the tree-yucca, 
are made into flour by the Indians ; and from the leaves they 
obtain a soft, white fiber, which they use in making the linings 
of the coarse saddle-blankets they weave from Yucca Mohaven- 
sis. The undeveloped flowering shoots they consider a great 
delicacy, either raw or cooked. They gather great numbers 
of the plants when just at the right stage, and strip off the 
leaves, leaving round masses. These they prepare after the 
manner of a clam-bake, and when the pile is pulled to pieces 
and the product is taken out, it has a faint resemblance to 

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baked sweet apple, and is of about the same consistency. The 
whole mass is a mixture of sweet, soft pulp and coarse white 
fibers much like manila rope-yarn. 

CLIFF ASTER. 

Malacothrix saxatilis, Torr. and Gray. Composite Family. 

Stems. — Stout; a foot or two high; woody. Leaves. — Lanceolate to 
spatulate ; one or two inches long ; entire or pinnatifid ; somewhat suc- 
culent. Flower-heads. — Terminating the paniculate branches ; large ; 
two inches or so across ; white, changing to rose or lilac ; of ray-flowers 
only. Involucre. — Campanulate or hemispherical ; six lines high, with 
many imbricated scales passing downward into loose, awl-shaped bracts. 
Hab. — The Coast, from Santa Barbara southward. 

This beautiful plant is a dweller upon the ocean cliffs, and 
may be seen in abundance from the car-windows just before 
the train reaches Santa Barbara going north. The stems are 
woody and very leafy, and the plants are usually covered all 
over the top with the showy flower-heads. 

M. tenuifolia, Torr. and Gray, is a very tall, slender, sparsely 
leafy plant with fragile, airy white flowers. This is common 
along the dusty roadsides of the south in early summer. 

CALIFORNIA SPIKENARD. 

Aralia Calif ornica, Wats. Ginseng Family. 

Root. — Thick; aromatic. Stems. — Eight to ten feet high. Leaves. — 
Bipinnate ; or the upper pinnate, with one or two pairs of leaflets. 
Leaflets. — Cordate-ovate; four to eight inches long; serrate. Flowers. — 
White ; two lines long ; in globular umbels, arranged in loose panicles 
a foot or two- long. Pedicels four to six lines long. Calyx. — Five- 
toothed or entire. Petals and Stamens. — Five. Ovary. — Two- to five- 
celled. Styles united to the middle. Fruit. — A purple berry. Hab. — 
Widely distributed; on stream-banks. 

In moist, cool ravines, where the sun only slants athwart 
the branches and a certain dankness always lingers, the Cali- 
fornia spikenard scents the air with its peculiar odor. It 
closely resembles A. racemosa of the Eastern States, but it is 
a larger, coarser plant in every way. It throws up its tall 
stems with a fine confidence that there will be ample space for 
its large leaves to spread themselves uncrowded. Its feathery 

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panicles of white flowers are followed by clusters of small pur- 
ple berries, and are rather more delicate than we should expect 
from so large a plant. 

YERBA MANSA. 

Anemopsis Calif ornica, Hook. Yerba Mansa Family. 

Rootstock creeping. Radical leaves. — Long-petioled ; elliptic oblong; 
two to ten inches long. Stems. — Six inches to two feet high. Flowers. 
— Without sepals and petals, sunk in a conical spike six to eighteen lines 
long; a small white bract under each flower. Spikes. — Subtended by 
from five to eight white petal-like bracts, six to fifteen lines long. 
Stamens. — Three to eight. Ovary. — Apparently one-celled. Stigmas one 
to five. Hob. — Southern to central California. 

Just as the fervid glow of the sun is beginning to transform 
the green of our southern hill-slopes to soft browns, the still 
vividly green lowland meadows suddenly bring forth myriads 
of white stars, which in their green setting become grateful 
resting-points for the eye. These are the blossoms of the 
famous yerba mansa of the Spanish-Californians. Among 
these people the plant is an infallible remedy for many dis- 
orders, and so highly do they prize it that they often travel 
or send long distances for it. 

The aromatic root, which has a strong, peppery taste, is 
very astringent, and, when made into a tea or a powder, is 
applied with excellent results to cuts and sores. The tea is 
also taken as a blood-purifier; and the plant, in the form of 
a wash or poultice, is used for rheumatism, while the wilted 
leaves are said to reduce swellings. In the medical world it is 
beginning to be used in diseases of the mucous membrane. 

SHEPHERD'S PURSE. 

Capsella bursa-pastoris, Moench. Mustard Family. 

Stems twelve to eighteen inches high, branching. Radical leaves. — 
Toothed, or incisely lobed with backward-pointing lobes. Upper leaves. 
— Oblanceolate to linear; entire. Flowers. — White, minute, cruciferous. 
Pods. — Two lines long, on slender pedicels. Hab. — Naturalized all over 
the world. 

Among our commonest and most harmless weeds is the 
shepherd's purse, which has been introduced from Europe in 

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YERBA MANSA—Anemopsis California. 






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the past. It may be easily recognized by its tiny white cru- 
ciferous flowers and its shapely little triangular ; flat pods, 
which have a peppery taste. It is used medicinally, and valued 
as a remedy for many different maladies. In Europe, a com- 
mon name for the plant is "mother's heart," and Mr. Johnston 
says that children play a sort of game with the seed-pouch. 
"They hold it out to their companions, inviting them to 'take 
a haud o' that.' It immediately cracks, and then follows a 
triumphant shout, 'You've broken your mother's heart!' ' 

Equally common is the Lepidium, or pepper-grass, the small 
round, flat pods of which also have a peppery taste. Both of 
these belong to the great Mustard family. 

MARIPOSA TULIP. 

Calochortus venustus, Benth. (and varieties). Lily Family. 

Stems. — A foot or two high ; branching. Leaves. — Narrow ; grass- 
like ; channeled ; glaucous ; decumbent. Flowers. — Erect ; cup-shaped ; 
white, lilac, pink, claret, magenta, purple, or rarely light yellow ; of uni- 
form color or shaded; plain or variously oculated, stained, or blotched. 
Petals. — One or two inches long; slightly hairy below. Gland. — Large; 
roundish ; densely hairy. Capsule. — Lanceolate ; four or five lines broad. 
(See Calochortus.) Hab. — Dry sandy soil, in the Coast Ranges and 
Sierra foothills, from Mendocino County to Los Angeles. 

I once emerged from the dense chaparral of a steep hillside 
upon a grassy slope, where myriads of these lovely flowers 
tossed their delicate cups upon the breeze. As I passed from 
flower to flower, I noticed many insect guests regaling them- 
selves upon the nectar. Bees and flies jostled one another 
and crawled amid the hairs below, and beautifully mottled 
butterflies hovered over them. 

As originally described, this flower was white or pale lilac, 
with a more or less conspicuous, usually reddish, stain, or 
blotch, near the top, a brownish spot bordered with yellow in 
the center, and a brownish striate base. But it varies so 
widely from this type, in both color and spots, that neither is 
a reliable character from which to determine the species. Some 
of the oculated forms of C. luteus are so similar that they are 

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MARIPOSA TULIP— Caloch 



ortus venustus. 



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readily confused with this, but a careful examination of the 
gland and the form of the capsule, together with the character 
of the soil in which the plants grow, will identify the species. 

COMMON NIGHTSHADE. 

Solatium nigrum, L. Nightshade Family. 
Hab. — Along streams near the coast. 

This may be easily distinguished from 5. Xanti by its very 
small white flowers, whose corollas are but three or four lines 
across and much more deeply and pointedly lobed, the lobes 
having a tendency to turn backward as the flowers grow older ; 
also by its thinner, duller leaves, and much smaller, black ber- 
ries, the size of peas. 

It is considered a violent narcotic poison, both berries and 
leaves having caused death when eaten. It is used in the med- 
ical world, in the form of a tincture for various maladies, and 
it is said that in Bohemia the blossoming plant is hung over 
the cradles of infants to induce sweet slumber ; while in Dal- 
matia the root is fried in butter and eaten to produce sleep, 
and is also used as a remedy for hydrophobia. 

Solanum Douglasii, Dunal, is a similar species, with larger 
flowers, which are usually white, though sometimes light blue. 

WILD SYRINGA. 

Philadelphus, Linn. Saxifrage Family. 

Deciduous shrubs, with opposite, ovate or oblong leaves and abundant 
clusters of showy white flowers. Petals. — Four or five, roundish. Sta- 
mens. — Twenty to forty. Styles. — Three to five, united at base or some- 
times nearly to the top. Ovary. — Inferior, three- to five-celled. Hab. — 
Widely distributed. 

The syringa is such a well-known shrub in our gardens that 
the wild ones, which resemble it closely, hardly need a descrip- 
tion. Their masses of odorous pure white flowers make them 
conspicuous and beautiful wherever they occur. We have a 
number of species of Philadelphus whose differences are not 
yet clearly defined. Mr. Galen Clark says in his "Legend of 

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the Yosemite , ' that the Indians formerly used the wood of 
the wild syringa for their arrows. 

BUTTERFLY TULIP. 

Calochortus luteus, var. oculatus, Wats. Lily Family. 

Similar to C. venustus, but with petals differently marked. Hab.— 
Sierras and Coast Ranges, from Fresno County to Shasta County. 

Of all our lovely Mariposa tulips, this charming form is 
perhaps the most like the insect for which it is named. Its 
creamy or purplish flowers have an exquisitely tinted dark- 
maroon eye, surrounded by yellow, and it is often streaked in 
marvelous imitation of the insect's wing. It was doubtless 
this form Miss Coolbrith had in mind when she wrote the 
beautiful lines below : 

"Insect or blossom? Fragile, fairy thing, 
Poised upon slender tip and quivering 
To flight! a flower of the fields of air; 
A jeweled moth, a butterfly with rare 
And tender tints upon his downy wing 
A moment resting in our happy sight ; 
A flower held captive by a thread so slight 
Its petal-wings of broidered gossamer 
Are, light as the wind, with every wind astir, 
Wafting sweet odor, faint and exquisite. 
O dainty nursling of the field and sky ! 
What fairer thing looks up to heaven's blue, 
And drinks the noontide sun, the dawning's dew? 
Thou winged bloom! thou blossom butterfly!" 

WESTERN BOYKINIA. 

Boykinia occ id en talis, Torr. and Gray. Saxifrage Family. 

Stems.— Slender ; a foot or two high. Leaves. — Round-reniform ; 

palmately three- to seven-lobed; one to three inches broad; the lobes 
coarsely toothed. Flowers. — In long-peduncled, loose panicles; white; 
four lines across; parts in fives. Calyx.— With acute teeth. Petals.— 
On the sinuses of the calyx. Stamens.— On the calyx, opposite its teeth 
filaments short. Ovary.— With its two cells attenuate into the slender 
styles. Hab.— Coast Ranges, from Santa Barbara to Washington. 

The tufted leaves and exquisitely delicate saxifrage-like 
clusters of the Boykinia fringe our streams in early summer. 

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SOAP-PLANT. AMOLE. 

Chlorogalum pomeridianum, Kunth. Lily Family. 

Bulb. — One to four inches in diameter; densely brown-fibrous. 
Leaves. — Six to eighteen inches long. Scape. — One to five feet high ; 
bearing a loosely spreading panicle. Perianth. — White ; of six spread- 
ing, recurved segments nine lines long. Stamens. — Six; shorter than 
the segments. Ovary. — Three-celled. Style filiform. Stigma three- 
lobed. Hab. — Widely distributed. 

The leaves of the soap-plant have been with us all the 
spring, increasing in length as the season has advanced. You 
can easily recognize them, as they resemble a broad, wavy- 
margined grass, usually lying flat upon the ground, with some 
of the ragged brown fibers of the bulb showing aboveground, 
like the fragment of an old manila mat. 

In early summer, from their midst begins to shoot a slender 
stalk. When the process of its growth is complete, it stands 
from two to five feet high, with slender, wide-spreading 
branches and rather sparsely scattered flowers. 

If you would find its flowers open, you must seek it in the 
afternoon. At a little distance, it appears as though the truant 
summer wind had lodged a delicate white feather here and 
there upon the branches. In themselves, these blossoms are 
not ill-favored, with their slender, recurved petals ; but to us 
the root is the most interesting part of the plant. This the 
early Spanish-Californians used extensively in lieu of soap, 
and esteemed greatly as a hair tonic, and it was known by 
them as "amole." Even now it is much used among their 
descendants, and we know of one aged senora over ninety 
who refuses to use anything else for washing. Her grandsons 
keep her supplied with the bulbs, which they dig by the sackful 
from the neighboring hill-slopes and mesas. She takes her 
linen down to the brookside, and there, in primitive fashion, 
upon her knees she scours and rinses it till it is as white as 
the driven snow. 

The Indians of the Sierra foothills have a curious use for 
the bulb. After the June freshets have subsided, many fish 

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SOAP-PLANT — Chlorogalum pomeridianw 



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are usually left in small pools in the streams. The squaws go 
to these pools with an abundance of soap-root, and kneeling 
upon the banks, rub up a great lather with it. The fish soon 
rise to the surface stupefied, and are easily taken. 

In the Yosemite Valley these plants have far more abundant 
flowers than our plants in the lowlands. 

We are told that in the early days of the gold excitement, 
when commodities were scarce and brought fabulous prices, the 
fibrous outer coats of the bulb were used for stuffing mattresses. 

The inner portion of the bulb, when reduced to a paste, 
is said to be an excellent remedy for oak-poisoning, applied 
as a salve. 

This is not the only plant popularly known as soap-plant 
among us. Several others share the title, among them the 
goose-foot, the yucca, and the California lilac. There are 
several other species of Chlorogalum. 

MOUNTAIN BIRCH. WHITE TEA-TREE. SOAP-BUSH. 

Ceanothus integerrimus, Hook, and Arn. Buckthorn Family. 

Shrubs or small trees ; five to twelve feet high ; with cylindrical, 
usually warty, branches. Leaves. — Alternate ; on slender petioles two 
to six lines long; ovate to ovate-oblong ; one to three inches long; 
entire or rarely slightly glandular-serrulate ; thin. Flowers. — White ; 
sometimes blue ; in a thyrse three to seven inches long, one to four 
thick. Fruit. — N-ot crested. (See Ceanothus.) Hab. — Mountains from 
Los Angeles to the Columbia River. 

When in flower, this is one of the most attractive of all our 
Ceanothi. It often covers great mountain-sides with its white 
bloom as with drifted snow. The trip to the Yosemite is often 
diversified by this beautiful spectacle, which comes as an ex- 
hilarating surprise. 

Among the mountaineers this shrub is highly valued as 
forage for their cattle, which they turn upon it after the low- 
land pastures have dried up. 

The young twigs and leaves have the spicy fragrance of 
the black birch of the Eastern States. The foliage is decid- 
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the root of this shrub is becoming celebrated as a remedy for 
various disorders, such as malaria, catarrh, and liver trouble. 

COMMON WHITE LUPINE. 

Lupinus densidorus, Benth. Pea Family. 

Stems. — Stout ; simple below ; parted in the middle into numerous 
wide-spreading branches ; two feet high ; succulent ; sparsely villous. 
Flowers. — In long-peduncled racemes ; six to ten inches long ; with 
usually five or six dense whorls. Bracts bristle-like, from a broad base. 
Calyx. — Upper lip scarious ; deeply cleft ; lower long, toothed. Corolla. 
— White or rose-color ; seven lines or so long ; the standard dark-dotted. 
Pod. — Two-seeded. Hab. — Wide-spread ; Sacramento Valley and south- 
ward. 

In the days when we went fishing in the brook with a pin 

for minnows, a company of these pretty white lupines in a 

field represented to our childish fancy so many graceful dames 

in flounced skirts dancing in a sylvan ballroom. 

MEADOW-SWEET. SPIR^A. 

Holodiscus aricef olius , Greene. Rose Family. 

Shrubs two to six feet high. Leaves. — Alternate ; short-petioled ; an 
inch or two long ; oval or ovate ; crenately lobed above ; the lobes often 
toothed ; silky pubescent beneath. Flowers. — White ; two lines across ; 
in feathery panicles several inches long. Calyx. — Five-parted; petaloid. 
Petals. — Five ; equaling the sepals. Stamens. — About twenty. Pistils. — 
Five ; distinct ; one-celled. Syn. — Spiraea discolor, Pursh. Hab. — Coast 
Ranges, mostly from Monterey northward. 

Not until midsummer is upon us does the common meadow- 
sweet make itself noticeable by its large feathery clusters of 
minute white flowers, which have a pleasant odor, like that of 
slippery-elm. This was formerly classed as Spircea, but has 
recently been placed in a separate genus. 

We have, however, two species of true Spircea with pink 
flowers — 5. Douglasii, Hook., the California hardhack, having 
its blossoms in long clusters, (found in northern California,) 
and vS\ lucida, Dough, having flat-topped flower-clusters, 
(found in the Sierras). 

Another shrub closely allied to all the above is Neillia 
opulifolia, Benth. and Hook., the wild bridal-wreath, or nine- 
bark. Indeed, this has been classed by some authorities among 

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the Spiraeas. It may be easily recognized by its hemispherical 
clusters of white flowers. These clusters are an inch or two 
across. Though the shrub is quite showy when in bloom, it is 
almost equally attractive when its carpels are beginning to 
redden. 

CALIFORNIA AZALEA. 

Rhododendron occidcntale, Gray. Heath Family. 

Shrubs two to twelve feet high. Leaves. — Clustered at the ends of 
the branches ; obovate to lanceolate ; two to four inches long ; herba- 
ceous. Flower-clusters. — Large, from a special terminal bud. Calyx. — 
Deeply five-cleft. Corolla. — With funnel-form tube, and five-cleft bor- 
der ; white ; the upper lobe blotched with corn-color ; sometimes tinged 
with pink; glandular-viscid without. Stamens. — Five. Anthers two- 
celled, opening terminally. Ovary. — Five-celled. Capsule. — Very woody. 
Hob. — Stream-banks throughout the State. 

One of the most deservedly admired of all our shrubs is 
the lovely California azalea. In June and July, the borders 
of our mountain streams are covered for miles with the bushes, 
whose rich green foliage is often almost obscured from view 
by the magnificent clusters of white and yellow, or sometimes 
pinkish flowers. Its delicious, spicy perfume is always subtly 
suggestive of charming days spent with rod and line along 
cool streams, or of those all too brief outings spent far from 
the haunts of men, in some sequestered mountain-cabin among 
redwood groves or by rushing waters. 

In Oregon it is commonly known as "honeysuckle," and 
there in the autumn its life ebbs away in a flood of glory, 
showering the forest floor with flecks of scarlet and crimson. 
Its root is said to contain a strong narcotic poison, and the 
leaves are also reputed to be poisonous if eaten, but they are 
not at all harmful to the touch. 

SERVICE-BERRY. JUNE-BERRY. 

Amelanchier alnifolia, Nutt. Rose Family. 

Deciduous shrubs, three to eight feet high. Leaves. — Alternate ; 
petioled ; from rounded to oblong-ovate ; serrate usually only toward 
the apex; six to eighteen lines long. Flowers. — White, in short 
racemes. Calyx-tube. — Campanulate ; limb five-parted. Petals. — Five ; 




CALIFORNIA AZALEA-Rhododendron occidentals 



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oblong; six lines or so long. Stamens. — Twenty; short. Ovary. — 
Three- to five-celled. Styles three to five. Fruit. — Small ; berry-like ; 
dark purple. Hab. — Throughout the State and northward; also east- 
ward to the Western States. 

The service-berry seems to be at home throughout our 
borders, but it reaches its greatest perfection north of us, on 
the rich bottom-lands of the Columbia River. In spring the 
bushes are beautiful, when snowily laden with masses of 
ragged white flowers ; and from June to September they are no 
less welcome, when abundantly hung with the black berries, 
which usually have a bloom upon them. These berries are an 
important article of food among our Western Indians, who 
make annual pilgrimages to the regions of their growth, gath- 
ering and drying large quantities for winter use. The drying 
they effect by crushing them to a paste, which they spread 
upon bark or stones in the sun. It is said that many a party 
of explorers, lost in the woods, has been kept alive by this 
little fruit. In many localities where this shrub is the chief 
constituent of the underbrush the clearing of the land becomes 
troublesome, owing to its very tough, large roots. 

Almost the same shrub in the Atlantic States is called 
"shad-bush," because it blooms at about the season when the 
shad are running up the streams. 

VANCOU VERIA. AMERICAN BARRENWORT. 

Vancouveria parviflora, Greene. Barberry Family. 

Stems. — One or two feet high. Leaves. — All radical; twice to thrice 
ternately compound. Leaflets. — One to two inches broad ; rich shining 
green; persisting; undulate and membrane-margined. Flowers* — Twen- 
ty-five to fifty, in loose panicles ; small ; with six to nine sepal-like bracts. 
Parts in sixes, all in front of one another. Sepals. — Petaloid ; two lines 
long. Petals. — White to lavender. Stamens. — Erect ; closely appressed 
to the pistil. Ovary. — One-celled. Style stoutish. Hab. — Coast Ranges 
of central California. 

There is no more exquisite plant in our coast woods than 
the American barrenwort, or Vancouveria. Its delicate thread- 
like stems, which are yet strong and wiry, hold up its spreading 
evergreen leaves, every leaflet in its own place. There is a 

90 




VANCOUVERIA— Vancout 



eria parviflora. 



WHITE 

likeness in these leaves to the fronds of our California maiden- 
hair, and one could easily imagine the maidenhair amplified, 
strengthened, and polished into this form. Owing to this 
resemblance, it is in some localities known as "flowering fern.'' 
The leaflets are also somewhat ivy-like in form. 

In June its delicate, airy panicles of small white blossoms 
appear. These are especially interesting as belonging to the 
Barberry family, where all the floral organs stand in front of 
one another, and the anthers open by cunningly contrived 
little uplifting valves. These plants are said to grow upon 
bushy hillsides, in masses sometimes several feet across. But 
I have never seen it with other than an exclusive and rather 
solitary habit, growing in shaded forests. We have one or 
two other species. 

CHRISTMAS-BERRY. CALIFORNIA HOLLY. TOYON. 

Heteromeles arbutifolia, Roemer. Rose Family. 

Shrubs four to twenty-five feet high. Leaves. — Alternate; short- 
petioled ; oblong ; serrate ; leathery ; two to four inches long. Flowers. 
— Small ; white ; four lines across ; in dense terminal panicles. Calyx. — 
Five-toothed. Petals. — Five; roundish; spreading. Stamens. — Ten; on 
the calyx. Filaments awl-shaped ; flat. Ovaries. — Two ; one-celled. 
Styles slender. Berries. — Red ; four lines in diameter ; in large clusters. 
Hab. — Coast Ranges, from San Diego to Humboldt County. 

Christmas could hardly be celebrated among us without our 
beautiful California holly. Florists' windows and the baskets 
of street-venders at that season are gay with the magnificent 
clusters of rich cardinal berries, which are really ripe by 
Thanksgiving. The common name, "California holly," refers 
more to the berries than to the leaves, as the latter have not 
the form of holly-leaves. We have often seen the venders mix 
the berries with the prickly foliage of the live-oak to make 
them seem more like holly. 

The large clusters of spicy white flowers appear in July and 
August. Nothing in all our flora yields a finer contrast of 
lavish scarlet against rich green. The berries have a rather 
pleasant taste, somewhat acid and astringent, and are eaten by 

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the Indians with great relish. The Spanish-Californians used 
them in the preparation of an agreeable drink. 

This is a very handsome shrub in cultivation, and makes an 
excellent hedge. Its only drawback is that its much-sought 
berries offer too great attractions to trespassers. 

VIRGIN'S BOWER. CLEMATIS. 

Clematis ligusticifolia, Nutt. Buttercup or Crowfoot Family. 

Nearly smooth. Stems. — Woody ; sometimes climbing thirty feet. 
Leaves. — Opposite ; long-petioled r five-foliolate. Leaflets. — Ovate to 
lanceolate ; eighteen lines to three inches long ; three-lobed and coarsely 
toothed ; rarely entire or three-parted. Flowers. — Dioecious ; in axillary 
panicles. Sepals. — Four ; petaloid ; four to six lines long ; thin. Petals^ 
— Wanting. Stamens. — Numerous. Pistils. — Many; becoming long- 
tailed, silky akenes. Hab. — Widely distributed. 

The virgin's bower usually looks down upon us from among 
the branches of some tree, where it entwines itself indistin- 
guishably with the foliage of its host. It climbs by means of 
the stalks of its leaflets, which wrap themselves about small 
twigs. This species is not so noticeable during the season of 
its blossoming as it is later, when the long plumes of its seed 
have twisted themselves into silvery balls, not unlike the heads 
of little silky, white poodles. Mrs. Blochman writes that 
among the Spanish-Californians, it is called "verba de chivato," 
and valued as a remedy for barbed-wire cuts in animals. It 
is used in the form of a wash, and remarkable cures are 
effected. 

Another wide-spread species — C. lasiantha, Nutt. — is far 
more showy than the above. It is found in the Coast Ranges, 
from Los Angeles to Napa County at least, and in the Sierras 
to Plumas County. Its long-peduncled flowers are solitary; 
but they are so numerous and grow so closely together that 
they make dense masses of white, conspicuous at a long dis- 
tance. The flowers are larger, the sepals being an inch long, 
and covered with a silky pubescence, which makes them like 
soft cream-colored velvet. The three ovate leaflets are also 
silky. 

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LADIES' TRESSES. 

Spiranthes Romanzofhanum, Cham. Orchis Family. 

Roots. — Fascicled tubers. Stems. — Stout; four to eighteen inches 
high. Leaves. — Oblong-lanceolate to linear. Spikes. — One to even ten 
inches long. Perianth. — Yellowish white; four lines long. Upper sepal 
and two petals coherent. Lip recurved, bearing a small protuberance 
on each side at base. Anther. — On the face of the short column. Ovary. 
— One-celled. Hab. — Through the mountains from Los Angeles north- 
ward. 

The twisted spikes of these little orchids are interesting, 
because their ranks remain so clearly defined as they wind 
about the stem. The plants vary greatly in different seasons 
as to size, and are usually found in moist places. 



TARWEED. MOUNTAIN MISERY. 

Chamcebatia foliolosa, Benth. Rose Family. 

Shrubby ; a foot or two high ; branching freely ; glandular pubescent 
throughout ; fragrant. Leaves. — Alternate ; finely dissected ; ovate or 
oblong in outline ; two or three inches long. Flowers. — White ; few in 
terminal cymes. Calyx. — Five-lobed. Petals. — Five ; spreading ; three 
or four lines long. Stamens. — Very numerous ; short. Ovary. — Solitary. 
Style terminal. Fruit. — A leathery akene. Hab. — The Sierras, from 
Mariposa County to Nevada County. 

One of the most conspicuous plants to be met on the way 
to the Yosemite is the Chamcubatia. It is exceedingly abun- 
dant, covering considerable areas and filling the air with its 
balsamic fragrance, strongly suggestive of witch-hazel or tansy, 
though to many not so agreeable as the latter. It is a beautiful 
plant, with its feathery leaves and strawberry-like flowers ; but 
by the roadside, where its viscid leaves and stems have caught 
the dust, it is often but a travesty of itself. 

Mrs. Brandegee writes of it : — "Along the line of the railroad 
in Placer County it is often called 'bear-clover,' perhaps in 
accordance with our felicitous custom of giving names, because 
it bears not the least resemblance to clover, and the bear will 
have nothing to do with it." Another common name for the 
plant among our mountaineers is "kittikit," possibly taken from 
the Indians. 

94 



K 



m 



LADIES' TRESSES — Spiranthes Romansoffianiu 



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LARGE-FLOWERED DOGWOOD. 

Cornus Nuttallii, Audubon. Dogwood Family. 

Shrubs or trees, fifteen to seventy feet high. Leaves. — Opposite; 
obovate ; acute at each end ; three to five inches long. Flowers. — Nu- 
merous ; small ; greenish ; in a head surrounded by an involucre of 
four to six large, yellowish or white bracts, often tinged with red, and 
eighteen lines to three inches long. Calyx. — Four-toothed. Petals and 
Stamens. — Four. Ovary. — Two-celled. Fruit. — Scarlet ; five or six lines 
long. Hab. — The Coast Ranges and Sierras, from Monterey and 
Plumas counties to British Columbia. 

Plants of the genus Cormis are known as cornel, or dog- 
wood. Our large-flowered dogwood more nearly resembles 
the Eastern C. Horida than any other species, but it is a much 
handsomer shrub than the latter. It reaches its maximum size 
in northern Oregon and Washington, where, in the season 
of its blossoming, it is a sight never to be forgotten. Its 
masses of large white flowers, like single Cherokee roses, con- 
trast finely with the deep, rich greens of the fir forests, in 
which it often grows. In its northern range, its leaves turn 
beautifully, and it becomes one of the most brilliant mas- 
queraders in the autumn pageant. 

The wood is very hard, close-grained, and tough, and is 
used as a substitute for boxwood in the making of bobbins 
and shuttles for weaving, and also in cabinet-work. 

The common dogwood, Cornus pubescens, Nutt, var. Cali- 
fornica, C. and E., is found on stream-banks throughout the 
State. It is a shrub from five to fifteen feet high, with purplish 
branches, ovate leaves, several inches long, small flowers in 
round-topped clusters without the conspicuous petal-like 
bracts ; and white berries. 

C. Canadensis, L., the bunch-berry, is an attractive little 
plant found in swampy places in Mendocino County and the 
northern Sierras, and northward and eastward across the con- 
tinent. It is from three to six inches high, with a whorl of 
six leaves at the summit and a few scattered ones below. Like 
C. Nuttallii, its flower-clusters are surrounded by white bracts, 
making them appear like a single flower, though this is much 

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smaller, an inch or so across. The flowers are followed by a 
pretty cluster of small red berries. 

JAMESTOWN-WEED. JIMSON-WEED. THORN-APPLE. 
COMMON STRAMONIUM. 

Datura Stramonium, L. Nightshade Family. 

Stems. — Two or three feet high ; stout. Leaves. — Alternate ; ovate ; 
coarsely angled ; long-petioled. Flowers. — In the forks of the stem ; 
short-pediceled ; white. Calyx. — Tubular ; angled ; five-toothed ; over an 
inch long. Corolla. — Funnel-form; three inches long; with an expand- 
ed five-angled border. Stamens. — Five; included. Filaments long and 
slender ; adnate to the corolla below. Style long. Ovary. — Two-celled ; 
each cell nearly divided again. Fruit. — Larger than a walnut ; prickly. 
Hab. — Waste grounds near habitations ; introduced. 

The jimson-weed, which is a native of Asia, has become 
quite common in waste places. It is a rank, ill -smelling, nau- 
seating weed, possessing narcotic, poisonous qualities, but its 
flowers are rather large and showy. The leaves and seeds 
are made into the drug called "stramonium," which is used as 
a remedy in neuralgia, spasmodic cough, and other disorders. 

As the plant usually grows by roadsides or in the vicinity 
of dwellings, children are not infrequently poisoned by its fruit 
and leaves, and it should be weeded out wherever found. The 
poison manifests itself in dryness of the throat, rapid pulse, 
and delirium ; and even death may ensue, preceded by convul- 
sions and coma. 

This plant is also called "mad-apple," "apple of Peru," and 
"Devil's apple." 

It has a near relative — D. suaveolens, HBK., — a large 
shrub with dark-green leaves and very large, pendulous white 
flowers. This is common in California gardens, and is known 
popularly as "floriponda," or "angels' trumpets." It sheds a 
powerful fragrance upon the air at night, which is not notice- 
able by day. 



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MILK-WHITE REIN-ORCHIS. 

Habenaria leucostachys, Wats. Orchis Family. 

Root. — A fusiform tuber. Stems. — One to four feet high ; leafy 
throughout. Leaves. — Lanceolate; diminishing upward. Flowers. — 
Bright white, in a spike. Perianth segments. — Two or three lines long. 
Lip. — Four lines long, with a slender spur four to six lines long. 
Anther. — On the column just above the stigma. Ovary. — One-celled. 
Hab. — Mountains throughout California. 

From July to September we may look for the milk-white 
rein-orchis in moist meadows. It is especially abundant in 
the Sierras, where its charmingly fragrant, pure-white spikes 
are particularly effective against the lush green of the alpine 
meadows. It is a very decorative plant. 

YARROW. MILFOIL. 

Achillea millefolium, L. Composite Family. 

Stems. — A foot or two high. Leaves. — Alternate ; sessile ; twice- 
pinnately parted into fine linear, acute, three- to five-cleft lobes ; lanceo- 
late in outline ; two to four inches long ; strong-scented. Flower-heads. 
— Crowded in a flat cluster; white, sometimes pink; four lines across, 
including the rays ; made up of white disk-flowers and obovate white 
rays. Hab. — All around the Northern Hemisphere. 

The yarrow, which is a common weed in most countries 
of the Northern Hemisphere, has long been known to botanists 
and herbalists, and was formerly in high repute for its many 
virtues. The leaves steeped in hot water are still considered 
very healing applications to cuts or bruises ; and among the 
Spanish-Californians the fresh plants are used for stanching 
the blood in recent wounds. 

This plant received the name Achillea, because the great 
hero of the Trojan war was supposed to have been the first to 
discover its virtues. 

In Sweden it is used as a substitute for hops in the brewing 
of beer. Among the superstitious, even of the present day, 
it is regarded as a most potent love-charm, when plucked by 
a love-lorn maiden from the grave of a young man, while 
repeating the proper formula. 

In the spring, the plants first develop a rosette of finely 

98 



^Sf 



MILK-WHITE REIN-ORCHIS— Habenaria lettcostachys. 



I 



WHITE 

dissected, feathery leaves, which lie flat upon the ground. 
Later, when these are well grown, it sends up its tall flower- 
stalks, crowned with close, flat clusters of small white blossoms. 

M. Naudin, who has an intimate knowledge of the plants 
of dry countries, recommends the yarrow for lawn-making 
where irrigation is impossible. "It grows freely in the driest 
of weather, and makes a handsome turf. It must be frequently 
cut, however, to prevent it from throwing up flower-stems. It 
will not succeed on a lime-impregnated soil." 

Among children the yarrow is commonly known as "old 

man." 

RATTLESNAKE PLANTAIN. 

Goodyera Menziesii, Lindl. Orchis Family. 

Leaves. — Two or three inches long ; leathery ; dark green, veined 
with white. Scape. — Six to fifteen inches high, with scattered lanceolate 
bracts. Spike. — Many-flowered. Perianth. — White; two to four lines 
long ; downy. Lateral sepals deflexed ; upper sepals and two petals co- 
herent. Lip erect, saccate below, concave above, and narrowing into the 
recurved summit. Anther. — On the base of the column behind. Ovary. 
—One-celled. Hob. — Mountains, from Marin and Mariposa counties 
to British Columbia. 

The rattlesnake plantain is frequently met under the con- 
iferous trees of our northern woods. Its common name comes 
from the mottling of its leaves, which is similar to that of the 
rattlesnake's skin. In midsummer, or later, the plant sends 
up a stalk of small but shapely little blossoms. These are so 
modest, one would hardly suspect they belonged to the showy 
Orchis family. 

BUTTON-BUSH. BUTTON-WILLOW. 

Cephalanthus occidentalis, L. Madder Family. 

Shrubs eight to ten feet high. Leaves. — Opposite, or in whorls of 
three or four ; petioled ; ovate to lanceolate ; three to five inches long. 
Flozvers. — Small ; white ; in spherical heads an inch in diameter. Calyx. 
— Four-toothed. Corolla. — Long funnel-form with four-cleft limb. 
Stamens. — Four; short; borne on the throat of the corolla. Ovary. — 
Two- to four-celled. Style long-exserted. Stigma capitate. Hab. — 
Throughout the State. 

The button-bush is a handsome shrub, found upon stream 
borders, often standing where it roots are constantly under 

ioo 




RATTLESNAKE PLANTAIN-Goodyera Menziesii. 



WHITE 

water. Its leaves are willow-like, and its spherical flower- 
heads, poised gracefully at the ends of the branches, resemble 
small cushions filled with pins. The blossoms often have a 
jasmine-like fragrance. 

A tincture made of the bark is used by physicians as a tonic 
and laxative and as a remedy for fevers and coughs. 

This shrub is especially abundant in the interior, on the 
lower reaches of the San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers, 
where it is in bloom from June to August. 

WHITE-VEINED SHINLEAF. 

Pyrola picta, Smith. Heath Family. 
Leaves. — Leathery ; dark green, veined with white ; one or two inches 
long. Scape. — Four to nine inches high. Calyx. — Five-parted. Petals. 
— Six lines or so long ; white. Stamens. — Ten. Anthers opening ter- 
minally. Ovary. — Five-celled. Style long ; curved. Hab. — The middle 
Sierras and Mendocino County, and northward. 

The great coniferous forests of our higher mountains afford 
homes for many interesting members of the Heath family. A 
trip to the Sierras in August will yield many a prize to the 
flower-lover. Pyrolas, with waxen clusters, vie with pipsissi- 
was ; the weird-looking pterospora rears its uncanny, gummy 
stems, clothed with small, yellowish bells, while an occasional 
glimpse of a blood-red spike betrays the most wonderful of 
them all — the snow-plant. 

Of the pyrolas we made the acquaintance of three in this 
region. These pretty plants are called "shinleaf," because 
the leaves of some of the species were used by the English 
peasantry as plasters which they applied to bruises or sores. 
Pyrola picta, with its' rich leathery, white-veined leaves and 
clusters of whitish, waxen flowers, was quite plentiful and 
always a delight to meet. Pyrola dentata, Smith, we often 
found growing with it. This has spatulate, wavy-margined 
leaves, which are pale and not veined with white, and its 
scapes are more slender. It never was so attractive or vigor- 
ous a plant as the other. 

A ramble in the woods one day brought us to the brink of 




WHITE-VEINED SHINLEAF— 



Pyrola picta. 



WHITE 

a charming stream, whose pure, ice-cold waters babbled along 
most invitingly. Following its course, we found ourselves in 
a delightfully cool, moist thicket, where, nestling in the deep 
shade, we found the beautiful, rich, glossy leaves of Pyrola 
rotundifolia, var. bracteata, Gray. The leaves are roundish, 
of a beautiful, bright chrome-green, highly polished, and the 
delicate flowers are rose-pink. This is called "Indian lettuce" 
and "canker lettuce," and a tincture of the fresh plant is used 
in medicine for the same purposes as chimaphila. P. aphylla, 
Smith, is easily distinguished by the absence of leaves. It has 
flesh-colored stems, and its flowers are sometimes of the same 
color, and sometimes white. This is found in the Coast Ranges. 



PEARLY EVERLASTING-FLOWER. 

Anaphalis margaritacea, Benth. Composite Family. 

Stems. — One to three feet high ; leafy up to the flowers. Leaves. — 
Alternate ; sessile ; lanceolate or linear-lanceolate ; two to four inches 
long ; white-woolly, at length becoming green above. Heads. — Of fili- 
form disk-flowers only. Involucre. — Of many rows of pearly white, 
pointed scales, not longer than the flowers, resembling ray-flowers. 
Hab. — Widely distributed over the northern parts of America and Asia. 

Our wild everlasting-flowers are very difficult of determina- 
tion, and are comprised under at least three genera, Gnapha- 
lium, Anaphalis, and Antennaria. The word Anaphalis is 
from the same root as the word Gnaphalium, and the species 
have quite the aspect of Gnaphalium. 

The flowers of the pearly everlasting have a peculiarly pure 
pearly look before they are entirely open, and their sharp- 
pointed little scales give them a prim, set look, like very regu- 
lar, tiny white roses. There is a hint of green in them, but 
they are never of the dirty yellowish-white of the cudweed, 
nor have they the slippery-elm-like fragrance of the latter. 
When fully expanded, the centers are brown. The leaves, 
which at length become a dark, shining green, make a fine 
contrast with the permanently white-woolly stems. The flower- 
clusters are loosely compound. 

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WASHINGTON LILY. SHASTA LILY. 

Lilium Washingtonianum, Kell. Lily Family. 

Hab. — Throughout the Sierras, from three to six thousand feet 
elevation. 

I shall never forget the thrill of delight I felt on first behold- 
ing this noble white lily, some years ago, in an open fir forest 
near Mt. Shasta. I had often heard of it, but never dared 
hope it would be my privilege to gather it for myself in its 
own native haunts. Since that I have become familiar with 
it upon the shores of Lake Tahoe and in the Yosemite, where 
it attains great perfection. 

When the plants first emerge from the ground, they are 
in great danger from the inroads of squirrels and chipmunks, 
who regard them as luscious morsels. They sit erect, clasp 
the stem in their fore paws, and nibble it off with great 
satisfaction. 

The blossoms of this species somewhat resemble those of 
the ruby lily, but the petals have longer claws and are more 
loosely put together. They are fragrant, but their perfume 
is not to be compared with that of the ruby lily. 

Mr. Purdy once saw, upon a single great mountain-side, 
ten thousand of these wonderful plants, upbearing their beau- 
tiful, pure lilies — a sight outrivaling the poet's vision of the 
golden daffodils. 

The Shasta lily is never found in the Coast Ranges. An- 
other species, L. Parryi, Wats., resembling this in the form 
of its flowers, is found in the San Bernardino Mountains. 
This is known as the "lemon lily," and has clear yellow flowers, 
dotted sparingly with deeper yellow. It is a charming flower, 
and is always found in shaded, springy places in cool canons. 

LABRADOR TEA. 

Ledum glandulosum, Nutt. Heath Family. 

Shrubs two to six feet high. Leaves. — Alternate; short-petioled ; 
oblong or oval ; an inch or two long ; coriaceous ; sprinkled beneath 
with resin-dots. Flowers. — White; in terminal and axillary clusters. 

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Calyx. — Five-cleft. Petals. — Five ; three lines long ; rotately spreading. 
Stamens. — Four to ten. Anthers opening terminally. Ovary. — Five- 
celled. Style filiform, persistent. Hab. — The Coast Ranges, from Men- 
docino County northward, and through the Sierras. 

Our Labrador tea is a comely shrub, found in the moun- 
tains at an elevation of four thousand feet and upward. Its 
small, leathery leaves are miniature copies of those of the 
California rhododendron, differing from them, however, in 
the sprinkling of resin-dots upon the under surface. 

Upon seeing the flowers of this shrub for the first time, one 
is apt to imagine it a member of the Rose family, something- 
akin to the cherry, with its clusters of small white flowers of 
a bitter fragrance ; but a glance at the anthers, with their 
terminal pores, tells the story quickly. 

A tea made from the leaves is, with many people, a valued 
remedy for rheumatism. 

This little shrub is much dreaded by sheepmen, who claim 
that it poisons their flocks. It has been suggested that it 
would be an excellent thing to have it widely planted as a 
means of reducing these bands of "hoofed locusts," as Mr. 
Muir terms them — these marauders who trample down so 
much beauty, and leave desolation everywhere in their wake. 

PIPSISSIWA. PRINCE'S PINE. 

Chimaphila Menziesii, Spreng. Heath Family. 

Stems. — Six inches high. Leaves. — Six to eighteen lines long; dark 
green, sometimes variegated with white ; leathery. Flowers. — One to 
three. Calyx. — Five-parted ; white. Petals. — Five ; waxen-white or 
pinkish. Stamens. — Ten. Filaments enlarged and hairy in the middle. 
Anthers two-celled ; opening terminally. Ovary. — Five-celled. Style 
short. Stigma button-like. Hab. — The Middle Sierras and Mendocino 
County. 

The prince's pine is a charming little plant, and may be 
found beneath the undergrowth in the great coniferous woods 
of the Sierras, where it sits demurely with bowed head, like 
some cloistered nun engaged with her own meditations. It 
has an exquisite perfume, like that of the lily of the valley. 

The common prince's pine of the Eastern States — C. um~ 

1 06 




PRINCE'S PINE— Chhnaphi 



la ^Ienziesii. 



WHITE 

bellata — is more rare with us, though it is found through 
somewhat the same range as the above. It is a more vigorous 
plant than the other, has from four to seven purplish flowers 
in the cluster, while its leaves are never spotted. 

In the East, from the leaves of this species is manufactured 
the drug "chimaphila," which is valued as a tonic and astrin- 
gent, also as a remedy for cataract. 

GROUNDSEL-TREE. 

Baccharis pilularis, DC. Composite Family. 

Evergreen dioecious shrubs, one to twelve feet high, with angled or 
striate branches. Leaves. — Alternate ; sessile ; obovate ; cuneate ; ob- 
tuse; coarsely toothed; leathery; one inch or less long. Flower-heads. 
— Crowded at the ends of the branchlets ; four lines long ; one or two 
across ; without ray-flowers. Involucres. — Oblong ; of many imbricated 
scales. Sterile heads. — With funnel-form, five-lobed corollas. Fertile 
heads. — With filiform corollas, mixed with a dense white silky pappus, 
which soon elongates. Hab. — All along the Coast. 

In the fall, the dark-green foliage of the groundsel-tree 
is relieved by its abundant small white flower-clusters. The 
flowers of the male shrub are never very beautiful, being 
usually of a yellowish or dirty white, indeed so little resem- 
bling the other, as to appear like a separate species. But 
when the white silk down of the female shrub is fully expand- 
ed, its boughs are laden as with drifted snow. This lavish 
provision of silk is designed by nature for the wafting abroad 
of the seed. 

It varies greatly in size and habit. Upon exposed, wind- 
swept sandhills it is low and close-cropped, but in more favor- 
able localities, where the soil is rich and the climate more 
genial, it responds graciously to the changed conditions, be- 
coming one of our most picturesque shrubs. 

Growing and blooming at the same time with the above, 
may be found its near relative — B. Douglasii, DC. This does 
not aspire to shrubhood, but its tall stems, with their lanceo- 
late, somewhat glutinous leaves, sometimes reach four feet in 
height, bearing at summit their pretty ageratum-like, white 

108 




BACCHARIS— Baccharis Douglasii. 



WHITE 

flower-clusters. It loves the sandy soil of creek-banks and 
low fields, and is abundant from San Francisco to Los Angeles. 
Sometimes confounded with this last is B. viminea, DC, 
commonly called "mule-fat," found on stream-banks from 
Napa County to Los Angeles. It is a willow-like shrub, whose 
foliage is eaten by horses and mules. Its leaves, acute at 
both ends, are from one to three inches long. The scales of 
the involucre are scarious-margined and eiliate, and the re- 
ceptacle is flat. 

LARGE WHITE MOUNTAIN DAISY. 

Erigeron Coulteri, T. C. Porter. Composite Family. 

Stein. — Six to twenty inches high ; leafy ; bearing solitary or rarely 
two or three large, slender-peduncled heads. Leaves. — Obovate to ob- 
long; entire or with several sharp teeth; thin. Flower-heads. — Of 
yellow disk-flowers, and usually pure white ray-flowers. Disk. — Half 
an inch wide. Rays. — Fifty to seventy ; narrowly linear ; six lines or 
more long. Hah. — The Sierras ; also the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. 

" High on the crest of the blossoming grasses, 

Bending and swaying, with face toward the sky, 
Stirred by the lightest west wind as it passes, 
Hosts of the silver-white daisy-stars lie." 

No fairer sight could be imagined than a mountain meadow 
filled with these large, pure-white, feathery daisies. 

CALIFORNIA FALSE HELLEBORE. 

Veratrum Calif ornicum, Durand. Lily Family. 

Stems. — Stout; three to .seven feet high. Leaves. — Oval; narrowing 
to lanceolate ; sessile ; sheathing ; four to twelve inches long. Flowers. 
— Greenish-white in a large panicle, with usually ascending branches. 
Stamens and pistils in the same flowers, or in separate ones. Pedicels. — 
About two lines long. Perianth segments. — Six; spreading; oblan- 
ceolate; their bases thickened and green or brownish; upper margins 
sometimes minutely toothed ; three to eight lines long. Stamens. — Six. 
Anthers confluently one-celled. Ovary. — Three-celled. Styles three, 
divergent. Flab. — The middle Sierras and Mendocino County north- 
ward to the Columbia ; also eastward. 

The false hellebore may be found in midsummer in the 
mountains. It grows along watercourses, and often covers 



WHITE 

rich, moist meadows, where its stems rise from three to seven 
feet, with their coarsely ribbed, boat-shaped leaves and large 
panicles of greenish-white flowers. When at its best it is a 
rather fine, showy thing, but its leaves are often perforated by 
some insect, and present a ragged, untidy appearance. 

The mountaineers commonly call this plant "skunk cab- 
bage," a deplorable misnomer, because it is in no sense merited ; 
and, moreover, we have a plant to which the title more right- 
fully belongs. The root and young shoots are a violent poison, 
and are fatal to animals which are unfortunate enough to 
crop them. 

Another species, — V. fimbriaium, Gray, — a smaller plant, is 
found upon the plains in Mendocino County. It may be dis- 
tinguished from the above by its more slender leaves, its 
woolly flower-panicle, and its decidedly fringed flower-petals. 
When it first appears above ground in the spring its shoots 
are all packed in beautiful, long, green rosettes, which come 
up side by side. Upon opening one of these rosettes, I found 
eight successive leaves, one within another, all neatly creased 
and compactly folded, a miracle of deft workmanship. 

VALERIAN. 

Valeriana sylvatica, Banks. Valerian Family. 

Herbs with opposite leaves. Stems eight to thirty inches high. 
Root-leaves. — Entire and spatulate or oval ; or sometimes three-parted. 
Stem-leaves. — Mostly pinnately divided into three to eleven broadly 
lanceolate or oblong ovate leaflets. Flowers. — Small, white, numerous, 
in terminal racemes or panicles. Calyx-limb. — Of numerous plumose 
bristles ; deciduous. Corolla. — Salver-form or campanulate funnel- 
form ; three lines long. Stamens. — Three; exserted. Ovary. — One- 
celled ; inferior. Hab. — Throughout the Sierras. 

The valerian is one of the earlier flowers to appear in the 
Sierras, and may be found usually in wet ground. Its blos- 
soms are pretty and feathery, but have not a very agreeable 
odor. The roots particularly have the strong scent of medici- 
nal valerian, and it is said that some tribes of Indians use 
them as food. 



WHITE 

CASSIOPE. 

Cassiope Mertcnsiana, Don. Heath Family. 

Small shrubby, alpine, evergreen plants with the aspect of club 
mosses. Branches. — Six to twelve inches high, leafy throughout. 
Leaves. — Closely appressed to stem ; overlapping in four ranks, thick, 
two lines long, keeled on the back. Flowers. — Solitary, on slender 
pedicels ; white to rose-color. Sepals. — Four or five, membranaceous. 
Corolla. — Campanulate, five-lobed, three lines high, four broad. Sta- 
mens. — Eight or ten. Anthers with a pair of recurved awns and open- 
ing by terminal pores. Ovary. — Four- or five-celled. Style. — Slender. 
Capsule. — Globular. Hab. — The Sierras at ten thousand feet and over, 
from Mt. Dana to Lassen Peak. 

Mr. John Muir says of this little plant: — "Here too . . . 
I met Cassiope growing in fringes among the battered rocks. 
. . . Her blossoms had faded long ago, but they were still 
clinging with happy memories to the evergreen sprays, and 
still so beautiful as to thrill every fiber of one's being. Winter 
and summer you may hear her voice, the low, sweet melody 
of her purple bells. No evangel among all the mountain 
plants speaks Nature's love more plainly than Cassiope." 



GRASS OF PARNASSUS. 

Parnassia Umbriata. Banks. Saxifrage Family. 

Leaves. — All radical ; reniform to cordate-ovate ; an inch or more 
across ; long-petioled. Scape. — Slender, about a foot high, bearing at 
summit a solitary white flower. Calyx. — Five-parted. Petals. — Five; 
obovate or oblong; four or five lines long; their margins fringed below 
the middle. Stamens. — Five ; alternating with clusters of united sterile 
filaments. Ovary. — One-celled. Stigmas three or four ; sessile. Hab. 
— The mountains of California. 

It is difficult to understand how this plant ever received 
its common name, as it in no wise resembles a grass. How- 
ever it may be, it is a charming plant and one full of interest 
for us, and it is a happy day when we make its acquaintance 
as we stroll along some mountain brookside. 



II. YELLOW 



Yellow or occasionally or partially yellow Hozvers not de- 
scribed in the Yellow Section. 

Described in the White Section: — 

Calochortus venustus — Mariposa Lily, or Tulip. 
Lilium Parryi — Lemon-Lily. 
Raphanus sativus — Radish. 
Viola ocellata — Heart's-ease. 

Described in the Pink Section: — 

Lessingia Germanorum — Yellow Lessingia. 

Described in the Blue and Purple Section: — 
Fritillaria pudica — Yellow Fritillary. 
Iris macrosiphon — Ground-Iris. 
Sisyrinchium Californicum — Golden-eyed Grass. 
Trillium sessile — California Trillium. 
Polemonium carneum — Jacob's Ladder. 

Described in the Red Section: — 

Castilleia latifolia — Indian Paint-Brush. 

Cereus Emoryi — Velvet Cactus. 

Pentstemon centranthifolius — Scarlet Bugler. 

Described in the Miscellaneous Section: — 

Cypripedium Californicum — California Lady's Slipper. 



ii3 



YELLOW 

SUN-CUPS. 

Oenothera ovaia, Nutt. Evening-Primrose Family. 

Root. — A thick tap-root. Leaves. — All radical; oblong-lanceolate; 
smooth ; ciliate. Flowers. — Solitary in the axils ; bright golden yellow. 
Calyx-tube. — Filiform ; one to five inches long ; limb of four lanceolate, 
reflexed divisions. Petals. — Four ; three to ten lines long. Stamens. — 
Eight. Ovary. — Four-celled ; underground. Style filiform. Stigma 
capitate. . Fruit. — A ribbed capsule. Hab. — Near the coast from San 
Francisco to Monterey. 

This little evening primrose is an exceedingly interesting 
plant, although it is not of very wide distribution. The flat 
rosettes of leaves sometimes measure over a foot across, and 
are thickly sown with the bright golden flowers, large in pro- 
portion to the size of the plants. A flower or bud is found in 
the axil of every leaf, diminishing in size toward the center, 
one plant sometimes having a hundred blossoms and buds. 
These flowers are peculiarly fresh and winsome, and were 
they not so abundant where they grow they would doubtless 
be considered very beautiful. 

A strange feature of the plant is its flower-stem, which is 
not a flower-stem at all, but a very much prolonged calyx- 
tube, the seed-vessel being just within the surface of the 
ground. 

We wonder how these imprisoned seeds are going to escape 
and find lodgment to start new colonies elsewhere. Perhaps 
the moles and gophers could tell something about it if they 
would. 

The leaves of these little plants are sometimes used for 
salads. 

These blossoms are often erroneously called "cowslips." 

COMMON BUTTERCUP. 

Ranunculus Calif ornicus, Benth. Buttercup or Crowfoot Family. 

Stems. — Slender; branching; six to eighteen inches high. Radical 
leaves. — Commonly pinnately ternate; the leaflets cut into three to 
seven usually linear lobes. Divisions of the stem-leaves usually nar- 
rower. Flowers. — Five to ten lines in diameter ; shining golden yellow. 
Sepals.-— Green ; strongly reflexed. Petals.— Ten to fourteen ; obovate ; 

114 




SUN-CUPS— (Enothen 



YELLOW 

each with a small scale at the base. Stamens. — Numerous. Pistils. — 
Numerous; on a receptacle. Ovaries flattened. Stigmas recurved. 
Hab. — Throughout western California into Oregon. 

" The buttercup catches the sun in its chalice ; 
And there 's never a leaf nor a blade too mean 
To be some happy creature's palace." 

The first clear, beautiful note of the lark has been heard; 
skies are blue and fields are green ; little frogs are filling the 
air with their music ; — and the buttercups are here. The 
fields are full of them, and their bright golden eyes, starring 
the meadows, bring a gladness to the face of nature. The 
children wade knee-deep in their gold, filling their hands with 
treasure ; and yonder, where their golden masses cover the 
slopes, King Midas may have passed, transforming the earth 
with his magical touch. 

Because some of the buttercups grow where frogs abound, 
Pliny bestowed the Latin name Ranunculus, meaning "little 
frog." We have a number of other species of buttercup — 
some of them denizens of marshy spots ; but the common field 
buttercup is widest-spread and best known. 

The Indians, who seem to have a use for everything, parch 
the seeds of this and beat them to a flour, which they eat with- 
out the further formality of cooking. This flour is said to have 
the peculiar rich flavor of parched corn. 

CREAM-CUPS. 

Platystemon Calif ornicus, Benth. Poppy Family. 

Delicate hairy herbs. Stems. — A span or two high. Leaves. — Mostly 
opposite; sessile; two to .four inches long. Flozvers. — Axillary; long- 
peduncled ; an inch or so across. Sepals. — Three ; falling early. 
Petals. — Six ; in two rows ; cream-color, often with a yellow spot at 
base. Stamens. — Numerous. Filaments broad; petaloid. Pistils. — Six 
to twenty-five ; united in a ring at first ; afterward separating. Stigmas 
terminal. Hab. — Throughout California. 

The cream-cups are delicate, hairy plants of the early 
springtime, which often grow in masses and take possession 
of whole fields. They seem to be more vigorous in the south, 
and produce larger flowers there than in the north, often 

116 




CREAM-CUPS — Platystemon Calif ornicus. 



YELLOW 

having as many as nine petals. The delicate, nodding green 
buds (like miniature poppy-buds) soon throw off their outer 
wrappings, and, emerging from captivity, gradually assume 
an erect position and unfurl their lovely pure straw-colored 
petals to their widest extent. These blossoms open for several 
successive days. 

The genus takes its name from the flat filaments. The 
numerous slender pistils are so cleverly joined together into a 
cylinder that they appear like a hollow, one-celled ovary. But 
a cross-section will show the separate ovaries under a glass. 

Some people like the odor of these flowers ; but I must 
confess to a lack of appreciation of it. I suspect its charm 
must exist in some pleasant association. 

COPA DE ORO. CALIFORNIA POPPY. TOROSA. 

Eschscholtsia Californica, Cham. Poppy Family. 

Stems. — Twelve to eighteen inches high ; branching. Leaves. — 
Alternate ; finely dissected ; glaucous. Flowers. — Two or three inches 
across; usually orange; but ranging from that to white. Summit of 
the peduncle enlarging into a cup-shaped torus or disk, upon the upper 
inner surface of which are borne the calyx, corolla, and stamens. 
Calyx. — A pointed green cap, falling early. Petals. — Four. Stamens. — 
Numerous, in four groups, in front of the petals. Anthers linear. 
Ovary. — One-celled. Style short. Stigmas four to six ; unequal. 
Capsule. — Cylindrical ; ten-nerved ; two or three inches long. Hah. — 
Throughout California. 

Thy satin vesture richer is than looms 

Of Orient weave for raiment of her kings! 
Not dyes of olden Tyre, not precious things 
Regathered from the long- forgotten tombs 
Of buried empires, not the iris piumes 
That wave upon the tropics' myriad wings, 
Not all proud Sheba's queenly offerings 
Could match the golden marvel of thy blooms. 
For thou art nurtured from the treasure-veins 
Of this fair land ; thy golden rootlets sup 
Her sands of gold — of gold thy petals spun. 
Her golden glory, thou ! On hills and plains. 
Lifting, exultant, every kingly cup 

Brimmed with the golden vintage of the sun. 

— Ina D Coolbrith. 
118 




CALIFORNIA POPPY— BsehsekoltMia California*. 



YELLOW 



It is difficult to exaggerate the charms of this wonderful 
flower. When reproduced in countless millions, its brilliant 
blossoms fairly cover the earth ; and far away upon distant 
mountain-slopes, bright patches of red gold denote that league 
after league of it lies open to the sun. It revels in the sun- 
shine, and not until the morning is well advanced does it 
begin, to unfurl its tightly rolled petals. 

In the early days, when Spanish vessels sailed up and down 
the newly-discovered coast, the mariners, looking inland, saw 
the flame of the poppies upon the hills and called this ''the 
land of fire." They said that the altar-cloth of San Pascual 
was spread upon the hills, and, filled with a devotional spirit, 
they disembarked to worship upon the shore. 

This flower is now cultivated in many parts of the world. 
But one can form no conception of it, pale and languishing in 
a foreign garden. One must go to its native hillsides to get 
any idea of its prodigal beauty. 

The common title, "California poppy," though it has been 
widely used, belongs more properly to another flower, Papaver 
Calif ornicum. The generic name is dissonant and harsh. Why 
not replace it by one of the more euphonious Spanish titles — 
"amapola," "dormidera," "torosa," or, most charmingly appro- 
priate of all, "copa de oro," — "cup of gold"? 

There are many forms of Eschscholtzia, and of late the 
original species, E. Calif ornica, has been divided into a number 
of new species, which are, however, difficult of determination. 

The Indians of Placer County, it is said, boil the herbage, 
or roast it by means of hot stones, lay it in water afterward, 
and then eat it as a green. A drug made from this plant is 
used in medicine as a harmless substitute for morphine and as 
a remedy for headache and insomnia, and it has an especially 
excellent effect with children. The Spanish-Californians make 
a hair-oil, which they prize highly, by frying the whole plant 
in olive oil and adding some choice perfume. This is said to 
promote the growth of the hair and to make it glossy. 



120 



YELLOW 

MOCK-ORANGE. GOURD. CHILI-COJOTE. 
CALABAZILLA. 

Cucurbita fcetidissima, HBK. Gourd Family. 

Stems. — Long; coarse; trailing. Leaves. — Alternate; petioled; tri- 
angular-cordate ; six to twelve inches long ; acute ; rough. Tendrils. — 
Three- to five-cleft. Flowers. — Solitary ; yellow ; three or four inches 
long; monoecious. Calyx-tube. — Six lines long, equaling the five linear 
lobes. Corolla. — Campanulate ; five-cleft to the middle or lower ; with 
recurved lobes. Stamens. — In the male flowers two with two-celled 
anthers, and one with one ; in the female all three rudimentary. 
Ovary. — Three-celled. Style short. Stigmas three; two-lobed. Fruit. 
— Orange-like, but with a hard rind. Syn. — C. perennis, Gray. Hab. — 
San Diego to San Joaquin County. 

The rough, ill-smelling foliage of the chili-cojote is a 
common sight in southern California, where it may be seen 
trailing over many a field; but woe to the negligent farmer 
who allows this pest to get a foothold — for it will cost him 
a small fortune to eradicate it. It sends down into the earth 
an enormous root, six feet or so long, and often as broad. 
When the gourds are ripe, these vines look like the dumping- 
ground for numerous poor, discarded oranges. 

Notwithstanding its unsavory character, the various parts 
of this vine are put to use — specially among the Spanish- 
Californians and the Indians. The root is a purgative more 
powerful than croton-oil. When pounded to a pulp, it is used 
as soap by the Spanish-Californians, who aver that it cleanses 
as nothing else can ; but rinsing must be very thorough — for 
any particles remaining in the garments prove very irritating 
to the skin. The leaves are highly valued for medicinal pur- 
poses, and the pulp of the green fruit, mixed with soap, is said 
to remove stains from clothing. The Indians eat the seed, 
when ground and made into a mush. The early Californian 
women used the gourds as darning-balls. 

This vine is a near relative of the pumpkins and squashes 
of our gardens. 

The flowers are said to be violet-scented. 



121 



YELLOW 

TREE-POPPY. 

Dendromecon rigida, Benth. Poppy Family. 

Shrubs two to eight feet high. Leaves. — One to three inches long; 
leathery. Flowers. — Solitary ; yellow ; one to three inches across. 
Sepals. — Two ; falling early. Petals. — Four. Stamens. — Many. Ovary. 
— Linear ; one-celled. Stigma two-lobecl. Capsule. — Eighteen to thirty 
lines long. Hab. — Dry hills from San Diego to Butte County. 

The tree-poppy is the only truly shrubby plant in the Poppy 
family. Its pale leaves are quite rigid, and resemble those of 
the willow in form. The bright golden flowers are sometimes 
three inches across, and one can readily imagine the fine effect 
produced when many of them are open at once upon a hillside. 
Though found through quite a range, this shrub attains its 
most perfect development in Santa Barbara County. 

CALIFORNIA BARBERRY. 

Berberis pinnata, Lag. 

Shrubs from less than a foot to five feet high. Leaves. — Alternate ; 
pinnate ; leathery. Leaflets. — Usually live to nine, but sometimes as 
many as seventeen ; nearly sessile ; ovate-elliptical to oblong ; one to 
two and a quarter inches long ; shining above, paler beneath ; repand ; 
prickly toothed. Flower racemes clustered, dense. Filaments with a 
recurved tooth on each side near the apex. Otherwise as B. nervosa. 
Hab. — San Francisco Bay and northward and southward in the Coast 
Ranges. 

The California barberry is a fine shrub, particularly where 
it grows upon sheltered wooded hillsides. Its handsome holly- 
like leaves form its chief attraction, as its flowers are not 
conspicuous for their beauty, although they are interesting 
in their structure, having the floral organs standing one in 
front of the other instead of alternating, and the stamens 
opening by means of little uplifting lids, as in all the members 
of the Barberry family. 

The Oregon grape, — B. aquifolium, Pursh., — closely resem- 
bling the above, but having fewer and longer leaflets, with 
the lower pair distant from the stem, is abundant from Oregon 
northward, and may extend into our own borders. It is such 
a beautiful shrub that we have given it a welcome place in 
our gardens, where it is also known as Mahonia. 

122 




TREE-POPPY— Dendrome 



con rigid a. 



YELLOW 

In the spring, when yellow with its masses of flowers, or 
in its summer dress of rich shining green, or in the autumn, 
when its foliage is richly toned with bronze or scarlet or yel- 
low, offsetting its fine blue berries, it is equally effective. 

Among the northern Indians a decoction made from the 
root is a favorite tonic remedy, and it has become a recognized 
drug in the pharmacopoeia of our coast, being used as an 
alterative and tonic. The root is tough and hard, of a bright 
golden yellow, and intensely bitter. The bark of the root is 
the part used medicinally. 

YELLOW PANSY. JOHNNY-JUMP-UP. 

Viola pedunculata, Torr. and Gray. Violet Family. 

Stems. — Leafy ; two to six inches or more high. Leaves. — Alternate ; 
long-petioled ; ovate ; cuneate ; crenate ; with lanceolate stipules. Flow- 
ers. — Large ; long-peduncled ; deep golden yellow. Calyx. — Five-parted. 
Petals. — The two upper tinged with brown outside ; the three lower 
veined with purple ; the two lateral bearded ; the lower one with a 
short spur at base. Stamens. — Five. Anthers nearly sessile ; erect 
around the club-shaped style. Ovary. — One-celled. Hab. — Southern 
to middle California. 

Pansies ! Pansies ! How I love you, pansies ! 
Jaunty-faced, laughing-lipped, and dewy-eyed with glee ; 
Would my song might blossom out in little five-leaved stanzas 

As delicate in fancies 

As your beauty is to me ! 

But, my eyes shall smile on you and my hands infold you, 

Pet, caress, and lift you to the lips that love you, so 

That, shut ever in the years that may mildew or mold you, 

My fancy shall behold you 

Fair as in the long ago. 

— J as. J V hit comb Riley. 

On wind-swept downs near the ocean, on the low hills of 
the Coast Ranges, or upon the plains of the interior, this 
charming golden pansy spreads itself in profusion in early 
spring. It is the darling of the children, who on their way to 
school gather great handfuls of its brown-eyed blossoms, and 
among them it is often familiarly known as " Johnny- jump-up." 
The Spanish-Californian children knew them as "gallitos." 

124 




YELLOW PANSY— Viola pedunculated. 



YELLOW 

You may often see myriads of them dancing on their long 
stems in the breeze, and showing glimpses of red-brown where 
their purplish outer petals are turned toward you for the 
moment. In the shelter of quiet woodlands, its stems are 
longer and more fragile. 

TWIN-BERRY. 

Lonicera involucrata, Banks. Honeysuckle Family. 

Shrubs eight to ten feet high. Leaves. — Three inches long or so. 
Flowers. — A pair ; at the summit of an axillary peduncle ; with a con- 
spicuous involucre of four bracts, tinged with red or yellow. Calyx. — 
Adherent to the ovary ; the limb minute or obsolete. Corolla. — Tubu- 
lar ; irregular; half an inch or more long; viscid -pubescent ; yellowish. 
Stamens. — Five. Ovary. — Two- or three-celled. Style filiform. Stigma 
capitate. Berries. — Black-purple. Hab. — Throughout the State ; east- 
ward to Lake Superior. 

A walk through some moist thicket or along a stream-bank 
in March, will reveal the yellow flowers of the twin-berry amid 
its ample, thin green leaves. These blossoms are always borne 
in pairs at the summit of the stem, and are surrounded by a 
leafy involucre, consisting of two pairs of round, fluted bracts. 
As the berries ripen and become black, these bracts deepen to 
a brilliant red and make the shrubs much more conspicuous 
and ornamental than at blossoming-time. 

WATER-HOLLY. MAHONIA. 

Berberis nervosa, Pursh. Barberry Family. 

Stem. — Simple; a foot or so high; bearing at summit a crown of 
large leaves, mixed with many dry, chaffy, persistent bracts. Leaves. — 
One or two feet long, with from eleven to seventeen ovate, acuminate, 
prickly, somewhat palmately nerved leaflets. Flowers. — Yellow, in 
elongated, clustered racemes. Bractlets, sepals, petals, and stamens 
six, standing in front of one another. Anthers two-celled ; opening 
by uplifting valves. Ovary. — One-celled. Style short or none. Fruit — 
Dark-blue, glaucous berries ; four lines in diameter. Hab. — Deep 
coast woods, from Monterey to Vancouver Island. 

The water-holly is one of the beautiful plants to be found 
in our deep coast woods within the cool influence of the sea- 
fogs. The plants are very symmetrical, with their crown of 
dark, shining leaves, with numerous prickly leaflets, and in 

126 




TWIN-BERRY— Lonicera involucrata. 



YELLOW 

spring, when the long graceful racemes of yellow flowers are 
produced in abundance, and hang amid and below the leaves, 
they are very ornamental. The stems are densely clothed 
with numerous dry, awl-shaped scales, an inch or more long. 

SUNSHINE. FLY-FLOWER. 

Baeria gracilis, Gray. Composite Family. 

Six inches or so high ; branching freely. Leaves. — Mostly opposite ; 
linear ; entire ; an inch or so long. Flower-heads. — Yellow ; of disk- 
and ray-flowers. Rays. — Ten to fourteen ; three or four lines long. 
Involucre. — Campanulate ; of a single series of small lanceolate, her- 
baceous scales. Hab. — From San Francisco southward. 

Considered singly, the blossom of this plant is a simple, 
unassuming little flower ; but when countless millions of its 
golden stars stud the nether firmament, it becomes one of the 
most conspicuous of all our Composite?. It literally covers the 
earth with a close carpet of rich golden bloom, and other 
plants, such as scarlet paint-brushes, blue phacelias, and yellow 
and white tidy-tips, rise out of its golden tapestry. Mile after 
mile of it whirls by the car-window as we journey along, or 
long stretches of it gild the gently rounded hill-slopes of the 
distant landscape. 

There are several other species of Baeria, but this is the 
most abundant- and wide-spread. In some localities this little 
plant is so much frequented by a small fly, which feeds upon 
its pollen, that it is called "fly-flower." It then becomes a 
serious nuisance to horses and cattle, which grow wild and 
restive under the persecution of this insect. 

In the Spanish playing-cards in the early days, the "Jack 
of Spades" always held one of these flowers in his hand. By 
the Spanish-Californians it was called "Si me quieres, no me 
quieres" — "Love me, love me not," — because their dark-eyed 
maidens tried their fortunes upon it in the same manner that 
our own maidens consult the marguerite. 

Growing in brilliant beds by themselves, or intermingling 
their gold with that of the Baeria, the charming feathery bios- 




PENTACIEETA — Pentacheeta aurea. SUNSHINE — Bacria gracilis. 



YELLOW 

soms of Pentachcota aurea, Nutt, are found in midspring. 
They have from fifty to seventy rays and their involucres con- 
sist of several rows of scarious-margined bracts. 

MEADOW-FOAM. 

Flcerkea Douglasii, Baillon. Geranium Family. 

Smooth, succulent herbs. Stems. — A foot or so long. Leaves. — 
Much dissected. Flowers. — Axillary; solitary. Sepals. — Narrow; 
acute. Petals. — Nine lines long or so ; yellow, sometimes tipped with 
white, white, or rose-tinged. Stamens. — Ten 5< in two sets; a gland at 
the base of those opposite the sepals. Ovary.— Of five carpels, becom- 
ing distinct. Style five-cleft at the apex. Syn. — Limnanthes Dou- 
glasii, R. Br. Hab. — Oregon to southern California. 

When the spring is well advanced, our wet meadows are 
all a-cream with the meadow-foam, whose dense masses blend 
exquisitely with the rich red of the common sorrel, which is 
in blossom at the same time. 

This plant is a near relative of the redwood-sorrel, and its 
flowers are similar in size and veining, and also in their habit 
of closing at night. It is much admired and has long been 
in cultivation. 

PIMPERNEL. POOR-MAN'S WEATHER-GLASS. 

Anagallis arvensis, L. Primrose Family. 

Stems. — Prostrate ; spreading. Leaves. — Usually opposite ; sessile ; 
ovate. Flowers. — Solitary on axillary peduncles ; orange-vermilion 
(rarely blue or white) ; six lines or so across. Calyx and rotate corolla 
five-parted. Petals. — Rounded ; purple at base. Stamens. — Five : 
opposite the petals. Filaments purple, bearded. Capsule. — Globose ; 
the top falling off as a lid. Hab. — Common everywhere. Introduced 
from Europe. 

The little orange-vermilion flower of the pimpernel is a 
plain little blossom to the unassisted eye, but it becomes truly 
regal when seen under a glass, where its rich purple center 
displays itself in glistening splendor. It is a forcible example 
of the infinite care bestowed upon all of Nature's children, 
even to the humblest weeds. 

This little plant has come to us from Europe, and it makes 
itself perfectly at home among us in many widely differing 

130 




MEADOW-FOAM— Flccrkea Douglasii. 



YELLOW 

situations. From the fact that it furls its petals upon cloudy 
days, or at the approach of rain, it is called in England "poor- 
man's weather-glass." 

The plant is an acrid poison and was extensively used in 
medicine by the ancients. It seems to act particularly upon 
the nervous system, and was used as a remedy for convulsions, 
the plague, gout, and hydrophobia. 

ENCELIA. 

Encelia Califomica, Nutt. Composite Family. 

Bushy ; two to four feet high ; strong-scented. Leaves. — Mostly 
alternate; short-petioled ; ovate-lanceolate; an inch or two long. 
Flower-heads. — Solitary ; long-peduncled ; large. Disk. — Eight lines 
across ; of black-purple, tubular flowers, with deep-yellow styles. 
Rays. — Sterile; over an inch long; five lines wide; four-toothed. In- 
volucre. — Open-campanulate of several series of coriaceous, imbricated 
scales. Hab. — Santa Barbara to San Diego. 

This shrubby Composita is quite abundant in the south, and 
when covered with its large yellow flowers with purple-brown 
centers is very showy. We have seen mesas covered with the 
bushes, which have much the same spreading habit as the 
white marguerite of the garden. It thrives particularly well 
near the coast, but is also at home upon some of the hills of 
interior valleys as well. It is quite strong-scented, but the 
flowers are very handsome, rivaling in decorativeness many of 
the cherished plants of our gardens. 

YELLOW FORGET-ME-NOT. WOOLLY-BREECHES. 

Amsinckia, Lehm. Borage Family. 

Hispid annuals. Leaves. — Alternate ; oblong-ovate to linear. Flow- 
ers. — Small; yellow or orange, in coiled spikes or racemes. Calyx. — ■ 
Five-parted ; persistent. Corolla. — Salver-shaped, or somewhat funnel- 
form ; with five-lobed border; the throat naked or with minute hairy 
tufts opposite the lobes. Stamens. — Five. Ovary. — Of four seedlike 
nutlets. Style filiform. Stigma capitate. 

We have several species of Amsinckia, all of which have 
small yellow flowers, resembling in form our little white forget- 
me-nots. The genus is a western American one, and the 
species are very difficult of determination. They are all hispid 

132 



YELLOW 

plants, very disagreeable to handle, and are generally of rank 
growth. They often occur in great masses, when they become 
rather showy. 

The largest-flowered species, which is also the most com- 
mon one in the south, is A. spectabilis, Fisch. and Mey. The 
corolla of this is often half an inch long and half an inch across, 
of an orange-yellow, with deeper orange spots in the throat. 

TREE-TOBACCO. 

Nicotiana glanca, Graham. Nightshade Family. 

Loosely branching shrubs, fifteen feet or so high. Leaves. — Alternate ; 
petioled; ovate; smooth. Flowers. — Clustered at the ends of the 
branches. Calyx. — Campanulate ; five-toothed. Corolla. — Tubular; 
eighteen lines long; with constricted throat; and border shortly five- 
toothed. Stamens. — Five, on the base of the corolla, adnate to the 
tube below. Anthers with two diverging cells. Ovary. — One-celled. 
Style slender. Stigma capitate; two-lobed. Hab. — Throughout south- 
ern California and sparingly northward ; introduced. 

The tall, loosely branching, spreading form of the tree- 
tobacco is a familiar sight in the south about vacant lots and 
waste places. Its clusters of long, greenish-yellow flowers 
hang gracefully from the ends of the slender branches, and 
the ovate leaves are rather long-stalked. It is supposed to 
have been introduced from Buenos Aires, and old inhabitants 
remember the time when but one or two plants were known. 
In thirty years it has spread rapidly, and is now exceedingly 
common. 

WIND-POPPY. BLOOD-DROP. FLAMING POPPY. 

Meconopsis heterophylla, Benth. Poppy Family. 

Smooth herbs. Stems. — Slender ; a foot or two high. Leaves. — 
Mostly petioled ; pinnately divided into variously toothed, oval to linear 
segments. Flozvers. — Solitary ; on long peduncles ; orange-vermilion 
to scarlet. Sepals. — Two; falling early. Petals. — Four; two to twelve 
lines long. Stamens. — Numerous. Filaments filiform ; purple. Anthers 
yellow. Ovary. — Top-shaped ; ribbed ; one-celled. Style short. Stigma 
large; capitate; four- to eight-lobed. Hab. — Throughout western 
California. 

The wind-poppy is an exceedingly variable flower. In the 
central part of the State it is large and showy, its beautiful 

133 



YELLOW 

flame-colored blossoms being two inches across ; while in the 
south it is usually very small, making tiny flecks of red in the 
grass, for which reason it is there called "blood-drop." It is 
an exquisite thing. Its petals have the delicate satin texture 
of the poppy; and their showy orange or scarlet blends sud- 
denly at the center into a deep maroon. The bright-green, 
top-shaped ovary stands up in the midst of the slender sta- 
mens, whose yellow anthers show brilliantly against the dark 
maroon of the petals. 

It blossoms in spring upon open hillsides, seeming to prefer 
those which are shaded for at least part of the day. It is very 
fragile, and falls to pieces at a touch, which makes it an un- 
satisfactory flower to gather. 

WHISPERING BELLS. 

Emmenanthe penduliflora, Benth. Baby-eyes or Waterleaf Family. 

Six inches to a foot high ; branched above ; hairy ; somewhat viscid. 
Leaves. — An inch or more long ; pinnatifid. Flowers. — Straw-colored ; 
at length pendulous. Corolla. — Campanulate ; about six lines long. 
(Flower structure as in Phacelia.) Hab. — Lake County to San Diego. 

In midspring, when passing among the plants upon our 
dry, open hillsides, our attention is often attracted by a certain 
delicate, rustling sound, which we find comes from the little 
papery bells of the dried blossoms of the emmenanthe, which 
retain the semblance of their first freshness for many weeks. 

Though not at first apparent, a little examination will reveal 
the fact that these plants are very closely related to the pha- 
celias, the chief difference being in the yellow corollas. 

YELLOW STAR-TULIP. 

Calochortus Benthami, Baker. Lily Family. 

Stems. — Several-flowered, very flexuous ; three to seven inches high ; 
branching in pairs. Radical leaf. — Linear-lanceolate ; four lines wide, 
exceeding the stem. Stem-leaves. — Ovate lanceolate; two to four 
inches long; three to five lines wide. Flozvers. — Yellow; erect. Sepals. 
— Narrowly ovate ; eight to ten lines wide. Petals. — Exceeding the 
sepals a little ; clawed ; obovate, rounded above ; naked. Gland. — Covered 

134 




WHISPERING BELLS— Emmenantlu 



penduliflora. 



YELLOW 

above by a crescent-shaped scale, bordered above by short yellow hairs, 
some of which are club-shaped. Capsule. — Nodding; nearly orbicular; 
six to nine lines long. Hab.— Sierra Nevada foothills from Mariposa 
County to Butte County. 

This is a very pretty little star-tulip, with graceful, flexuons 
stems and erect flowers, whose spreading petals are covered 
with hairs. Sometimes there is a dark-brown, almost black, 
spot upon the petals, and when such is the case the plant is 
called C. Benthami, var. Wallacei. 



CREAM-COLORED WALL-FLOWER. 

Erysimum grandiilorum, Nutt. Mustard Family. 

Stems. — Six to eighteen inches high. Leaves. — Spatulate or oblan- 
ceolate ; entire, toothed or lobed ; lower long-petioled. Sepals. — Four ; 
one pair strongly gibbous at base. Petals. — An inch long; long- 
clawed; cream-color or yellowish. Stamens. — Six; two shorter. 
Ovary. — One-celled ; linear. Style stout ; short. Stigma capitate. Pod. 
— Nearly flat; thirty lines or less long. Syn. — Cheiranthus asper, Cham. 
and Schlecht. Hab. — The seaboard from Los Angeles to Oregon. 

Growing along sandy stretches, or upon open mesas by the 
seashore, we may find the showy blossoms of the cream- 
colored wall-flower from February to May. These flowers 
are less stocky and much more delicate than the garden species ; 
and when seen numerously dotting a field carpeted with other 
flowers, they stand out conspicuously, claiming the attention 
peculiarly to themselves. They have not the delicious fra- 
grance of the Western wall-flower. At first yellowish, they 
become pale cream-color after fertilization has taken place. 

E. asperum, DC, the Western wall-flower, is widely dis- 
tributed, and may be known from the above by its four-sided 
pods, and by its flowers, which are usually orange-color — 
though they occasionally vary to yellow or purple. These 
blossoms are especially abundant in the mountains and valleys 
of the south, where their brilliant orange is conspicuous amid 
the lush greens of springtime. They are very fragrant, and 
are favorites among our wild flowers. 



136 




CREAM-COLORED WALL-FLOWER— Erysimum grandifloritm. 



YELLOW 

BUR-CLOVER. 

Medicago denticulata, Willd. Pea Family. 

Stems. — Prostrate or ascending. Leaves. — Trifoliolate. Leaflets. — 
Cuneate-obcvate or obcordate; toothed above. Flowers. — Papiliona- 
ceous; small; yellow; two or three in a cluster. Stamens. — Nine united, 
one free. Pods. — Coiled into two circles; armed with hooked prickles. 
Hab. — Common everywhere; introduced. 

The bur-clover is a little European weed which has become 
very wide-spread and very much at home among us. It is 
an excellent forage-plant, and in late summer, when our cattle 
have eaten everything else, they feed upon the little dried burs, 
which are very nutritious in themselves. Eut these same little 
coiled burs, with their numerous firm hooks, work great dam- 
age to wool, imbedding themselves in it so firmly as to make 
it very difficult to remove them without seriously injuring 
its quality. These plants invade our lawns, where they become 
very troublesome, probably brought in the hair of our dogs. 

Medicago maculata, Willd., the spotted medick, is very com- 
mon in some localities about San Francisco Bay, and may be 
known by its larger leaflets, an inch across, beautifully blotched 
with brown. 

COMMON MONKEY-FLOWER. 

Mimulus luteus, L. Figwort Family. 

Varying greatly in size. Stems. — One to four feet high. Leaves. — 
Mostly smooth ; ovate-oval or cordate ; coarsely notched. Flowers. — 
Yellow. Calyx. — Sharply five-angled ; unevenly five-lobed. Corolla. — 
One or two inches long; lower lip usually spotted with brown pur- 
ple. Stamens. — Four ; in pairs. Anthers with two divergent cells. 
Ovary. — Two-celled. Style long and slender. Stigma with two rounded 
lips. Hab. — Common throughout California. 

The bright canary-colored blossoms of the common monkey- 
flower are a familiar sight upon almost every stream-bank. 
The plant varies greatly in size, according to the locality of 
its growth. I once saw it flourishing in the rich soil of a lake- 
shore, where its hollow stems were as large as an ordinary 
cane, and its blossoms grotesquely large. 

M. moschatus, Dough, the common musk-plant of cultiva- 

138 




COMMON MONKEY-FLOWER-MW*, luteus. 



YELLOW 

tion, is usually found along mountain-streams. It may be 
known by its clammy, musk-scented, light-green herbage. Its 
flowers are larger than in cultivation. 

M. brevipes, Benth., is common from Santa Barbara to San 
Diego, upon hillsides in spring. It has stems a foot or two 
high, lanceolate leaves one to four inches long, and large, 
handsome yellow flowers, having a pair of ridges running down 
their open throats. 

FAWN-LILY. DOG'S-TOOTH VIOLET. CHAMISE-LILY. 

Erythronium giganteum, Lindl. Lily Family. 

Conn. — Usually elongated. Leaves. — Oblong; six to ten inches long; 
dark green, usually mottled in mahogany and dark brown. Scape. — 
One- to many-flowered. Perianth. — Broadly funnel-form, with six 
deciduous segments ; at length revolute to the stem. Segments. — Straw- 
color, with orange base, with often a transverse, brownish band across 
the base; broadly lanceolate; eighteen lines or so long. Stamens. — Six. 
Filaments filiform. Anthers basifixed. Ovary. — Three-celled. Style 
slender. Stigma three-lobed. Hab. — The interior of the Coast Ranges. 
from Sonoma County to the Willamette Valley. 

The dog's-tooth violets expand into larger, finer creations 
upon our shores than were ever dreamed of elsewhere. They 
seem to imbibe new vigor in the sweet life-giving air of our 
Coast Range forests. In southern Oregon, they reach their 
maximum development, manifesting themselves in numerous 
beautiful species. With us the common title becomes still more 
inappropriate than for the Atlantic species — for nothing could 
be farther from a violet than these large pale flowers, which 
in reality look far more like lilies. Indeed, in Mendocino 
County they are comnionly known as "chamise-lilies," while 
in the vicinity of Cloverdale they are called ''Easter lilies," 
according to Professor Setchell. Another name is "Adam and 
Eve," bestowed because the plant often bears a large and a 
small flower at the same time. 

Personally, I am inclined to favor Mr. Burroughs's sugges- 
tion of "fawn-lily." It is both appropriate and pretty. The 
two erect leaves are like the ears of a fawn ; their beautiful 
mottling is not without a hint of the fawn's spots; and the 

140 




FAWN-LILY— Erythronium giganteum 



YELLOW 

blossom is lily-like. The plant is shy, too, keeping to the 
seclusion of our deep canons. In such situations we may find 
them in groups of a few, or occasionally in beds of hundreds. 
No more delightful surprise could be imagined than to come 
suddenly upon such a garden far from the habitations of man. 
The pale flowers, with orange centers, when fully open, roll 
their petals back to the stem, like those of the leopard-lily; 
but in cloudy weather they often maintain a campanulate out- 
line. Plants have frequently been seen with from eight to 
sixteen flowers upon a stem, the flowers three or four inches 
across ! 

These are great favorites in gardens, and in cultivation are 
known as E. grandiiiorum. We have several species of Ery- 
thronium, all of them beautiful. 



Oenothera bistorta, Nutt. Evening-Primrose Family. 

From several inches to a foot or two high. Leaves. — Three or four 
inches long; denticulate; the upper mostly rounded at base. Petals. — 
Yellow; four to seven lines long; with usually a brown spot at the 
base. Stigma. — Large and spherical. Capsule. — Four to nine lines 
long; a line or so wide; attenuate upward; contorted. (See Oeno- 
thera.) Hab. — Ventura to San Diego. 

This is a very common species of evening primrose in the 
south, and may be found blooming until June. It is very 
variable in its manner of growth. In moist, shaded localities 
it becomes an erect plant a foot or two high ; while upon open, 
exposed plains it is often only two or three inches high, but 
seems almost to emulate the "sunshine" in its attempt to gild 
the plain with its bright blossoms. It frequently grows in 
gravelly washes. Its flowers have a peculiarly clean, brilliant, 
alert look, and may usually be known by the brown spot at 
the base of the petals. The specific name is in reference to 
its twice-twisted capsule. 

The "beach primrose," CE. cheiranthifolia, var. stiff ruticosa, 
Wats., often grows in great beds upon the dry sands of the 
seashore, from Monterey to San Diego. Its decumbent stems 

142 



YELLOW 

are thickly clothed with small, ovate, stemless leaves, and its 
silvery foliage makes a beautiful setting for its large golden 
flowers. 

CREEPING WOOD-VIOLET. 

Viola sempervireus, Greene. Violet Family. 

Stems. — Creeping. Leaves. — Round-cordate ; six to eighteen lines 
broad ; finely crenate ; often rusty beneath ; usually punctate with dark 
dots. Peduncles.: — Slender. Flowers. — Small; light yellow without and 
within. (Flower structure as in V. pedunculata.) Syn. — Viola sar- 
mcntosa, Dougl. Hab. — Coast Ranges, from Monterey to British Co- 
lumbia. 

This modest little violet is found commonly in woods, — 
often in redwood forests, — where it carpets the ground with its 
shapely little round leaves. 

Its specific name refers to its running habit. 

COMMON BLACK MUSTARD. 

Brassica nigra, Koch. Mustard Family. 

Stems. — Six inches to twelve feet high. Lower leaves. — Lyrate; with 
large terminal lobes. Upper leaves. — Lobed or entire. Flowers. — Yel- 
low. Sepals. — Four. Petals. — Four ; three to four lines long. Stamens. 
— Six. Ovary. — Two-celled. Style long. Pod. — Six to nine lines long, 
with seeds in one row. Hab. — Common everywhere ; introduced. 

I can give no truer idea of the manner of growth of this 
common plant in California than by quoting Mrs. Jackson's 
charming description of it from "Ramona" : — 

"The wild mustard in southern California is like that 
spoken of in the New Testament, in the branches of which the 
birds of the air may rest. Coming up out of the earth, so 
slender a stem that dozens can find starting-point in an inch, it 
darts up a slender, straight shoot, five, ten, twenty feet, with 
hundreds of fine, feathery branches locking and interlocking 
with all the other hundreds around it, till it is an inextricable 
network, like lace. Then it bursts into yellow bloom, still 
finer, more feathery, and lacelike. The stems are so infinites- 
imally small and of so dark a green, that at a short distance 
they do not show, and the cloud of blossoms seems floating in 

i43 



YELLOW 

the air ; at times it looks like a golden dust. With a clear, 
blue sky behind it, as it is often seen, it looks like a golden 
snowstorm." 

The tall stems are favorite haunts of the red-winged black- 
bird, who tilts about among them, showing his scarlet wings 
and occasionally plunging into the depths below, as though he 
found a spot there much to his mind. 

A very superior oil is made from the seed of the mustard, 
which is one of the strongest antiseptics known. It is espe- 
cially adapted to the needs of the druggist, because it does not 
become rancid. The flour of mustard is now much used by 
surgeons to render their hands aseptic. Tons of the seed are 
exported from California every year. 

STICKY MONKEY-FLOWER. BUSH MONKEY-FLOWER. 

Diplacus glutinosus, Nutt. Figwort Family. 

Glutinous shrubs two to six feet high. Leaves. — Narrowly oblong 
to linear ; one to four inches long ; with margins at length rolled back- 
ward. Flozvers. — Corn-color to red ; eighteen lines to three inches long. 
Calyx. — Irregularly five-toothed. Corolla. — Funnel-form ; five-lobed ; 
the lobes gnawed. Stigma. — White. Syn. — Mimuius glutinosus, Wend. 
Hab. — San Francisco to San Diego, and southward. 

During a walk upon the hills, at almost any time of year, 
we may find the corn-colored blossoms of the sticky monkey- 
flower, but they are most abundant in spring and summer. 
When in full flower the small bushes are very ornamental, as 
they are a perfect mass of bloom. They are said to be espe- 
cially handsome as greenhouse plants. 

The flowers vary 'through a wide range of color, from 
almost white to a rich scarlet, but the commoner hue is the 
corn-color. The scarlet-flowered form, found at San Diego, 
constitutes the var. puniceus, Gray. Another form, with red- 
brown to salmon-colored flowers on very short pedicels, is the 
var. linearis, Gray. The very long-flowered form is the var. 
brachypus, Gray. The sensitive lips of the stigma close upon 
being touched or after receiving pollen. 

144 




STICKY MGNKEY-FLOWER-Z);>/„c, ( , glutinosus. 



YELLOW 

ECHEVERIA. 

Dudlcya lanceolata, Britt and Rose. Stonecrop or Orpine Family. 

Fleshy plants, with tufted radical leaves. Leaves. — Narrowly lan- 
ceolate ; the outer ones two to four inches long ; acuminate. Scapes. — 
Fifteen inches high; their lower leaves lanceolate; becoming above 
broadly triangular-ovate, clasping, acute ; bearing on their summit a 
branching flower-cluster. Calyx. — Five-parted. Corolla. — Cylindrical ; 
of live almost distinct, oblong, acute petals, four to six lines long, 
reddish-yellow. Stamens. — Ten. Ovaries. — Five; distinct; one-celled. 
Syn. — Cotyledon lanceolata, Benth. and Hook. Flab. — Los Angeles to 
San Diego. 

These plants, which are of frequent occurrence in the south, 
usually affect dry, sandy soils. The fleshy foliage is of a warm 
tone, owing to a suffusion of pink in the leaves. These have 
a loose, erect habit, and are not crowded in dense rosettes, as 
are those of some species, and they are so weak that they pull 
apart easily. The tall flowering stems have but few leaves, 
and are sometimes nearly naked. 

In early summer these plants put forth a strong effort, 
quickly sending up several tall, vigorous flower-shoots, drawing 
upon the nourishment stored in the fleshy leaves, which then 
become limp and shriveled. 

HEN-AND-CHICKENS. 

Dudleya Sheldoni, Rose. Stonecrop or Orpine Family. 

(For flower structure, see Dudlcya lanceolata.) Hab. — Central Cali- 
fornia. 

These plants are familiar to most of us, as some of the 
species are extensively cultivated in our gardens as border 
plants. Their fleshy leaves are often covered with a bloom or 
a floury powder. Owing to their habit of producing a circle 
of young plants around the parent, they are commonly called 
"hen-and-chickens." We have several native species of this 
genus, formerly called Cotyledon, which are usually found upon 
warm, rocky hill-slopes, or upon rocks near the sea. 

D. Sheldoni is a beautiful form, with pointed, ovate leaves, 
of a light glaucous green, often tinged with pink. Its flowers 

146 




HEN-AND-CHICKENS— Dudleya 



Sheldoni. 



YELLOW 

are yellow, and have their petals distinct almost to the base, 
and its carpels are distinct. We are told that the Indians 
make soothing poultices of these leaves. 

Another species, — D. pulverulent a, Britt and Rose, — found 
from Santa Barbara to San Diego, is a very beautiful plant. 
It bears its leaves in a symmetrical rosette, like a diminutive 
century-plant. These leaves are usually covered with a dense 
white bloom, and the outer ones are spatulate, abruptly pointed, 
and two to four inches broad at the tip, while the inner are 
pointed. The plants are sometimes a foot and a half across, 
and send up as many as eight of the leafy flowering stems, 
which look like many-storied, slender Chinese pagodas. The 
blossoms are pale red. 

YELLOW GLOBE-TULIP. DIOGENES' LANTERN. 
GOLDEN LILY-BELL. 

Cdlochpftus amabilis, Purely. Lily Family. 

Stems. — Stout ; forking in pairs ; eight to twelve inches high ; glau- 
cous. Radical leaves. — Ten inches long, four to six lines wide; lan- 
ceolate-acuminate. Flowers. — Clear yellow ; nodding. Sepals. — Three. 
Petals. — Three; ovate, with short claw, obtuse at apex; naked, but 
margined with a close row of short stiff hairs ; strongly arched, and 
with tips overlapping each other ; with a deep gland showing on the 
outside as a knob, and lined within with short stiff hairs, crossing each 
other. (See.Calochortus.) Hab. — Coast Ranges, from San Francisco 
Bay to Trinity County. 

We have no more charmingly graceful flower than the yel-" 
low globe-tulip. A single long grasslike leaf precedes the 
flexuous stem, with its quaintly arched and delicately fringed 
blossoms. There is a certain quizzical look about these flowers 
— something akin to the inquiring look of Diogenes, as he 
thrust his lantern into all sorts of out-of-the-way places in broad 
daylight. The margins of the petals look as though they had 
been snipped into a very fine, delicate fringe, unlike the slender, 
tapering hairs of C. alba. 

The Indians are fond of the bulbs, which they eat with great 
relish, callling them "bo." 

Another species, — C. pulchellus, Dough, — found in the Mt. 

148 




DIOGENES' LANTERN— Calochortus amabilu 



YELLOW 

Diablo region, has for many years been confused with the 
above, but may readily be distinguished by its more globular 
flowers, its petals, silky-haired within, and of a much lighter 
canary yellow. 

BLADDERPOD. 

Isomeris arbor ca, Nutt. Caper Family. 

Shrubby ; evil-scented. Leaves. — Alternate ; compound, with three 
leaflets. Flowers. — With their parts in fours. Petals. — Yellow ; five 
to eight lines long. Stamens. — Eight; of equal length. Ovary. — One- 
celled. Style short. Pod.— Pendulous ; inflated; pear-shaped; on a 
long stalk. Hab. — Santa Barbara to San Diego. 

This low shrub is somewhat plentiful upon the mesas of the 
south. Its yellow flowers attract one to it, only to be repulsed 
by the dreadful odor of its foliage. It certainly ought to have 
some compensating utility for so repellent a characteristic. 
The ovary is so long-stalked, even in the flower, that it looks 
like an abnormal, inflated stigma. 

This is the only species of the genus. 

YELLOW SAND- VERBENA. 

Abronia latifolia, Esch. Four-o'clock Family. 

Stems. — Prostrate ; rubbery. Leaves. —Opposite ; unequal ; roundish ; 
an inch or so across ; petioled ; leathery ; gummy. Flowers. — Yellow ; 
five or six lines long ; in dense clusters, subtended by an involucre 
of five distinct . bracts. Perianth. — Salver-shaped. Tube green ; its 
base strongly angled or winged. Limb yellow ; four- or five-lobed. 
Stamens. — Mostly five, within the perianth. Ovary. — One-celled. Style 
filiform. Stigma club-shaped. Hab. — The seashore from Vancouver 
Island to Monterey. 

The fragrant blossoms of the yellow sand-verbena may be 

found upon the beach at almost any time of year. The stout 

root, which often becomes several feet long, is sometimes eaten 

by the Indians. 

SEA-DAHLIA. 

Leptosyne maritima. Gray. Composite Family. 

Leaves. — Alternate ; sometimes six inches long ■ two or three times 
divided into rather sparse, linear divisions ; quite succulent. Flower- 
heads. — Solitary; on naked peduncles from six inches to two feet long; 
large ; three or four inches across ; yellow ; of disk- and ray-flowers. 

150 




YELLOW SAND-VERBENA— Abronia latifolia. 



YELLOW 

Rays. — Narrowly oblong ; ten-nerved ; three-toothed. Involucre. — 
Double ; the outer part of several loose, leafy scales ; the inner of eight 
to twelve erect, more chaffy ones. Hab. — The seashore of San Diego 
and the islands. 

On cliffs overlooking the sea, where their merry yellow 
faces can watch the white-crested breakers as they chase one 
another ashore in never-ending succession, and where the peli- 
cans sail lazily over in lines, and gulls circle and scream, the 
sea-dahlias flaunt their large yellow flowers. They closely re- 
semble the yellow single dahlias of our gardens ; but the foliage 
is cut into long lobes, and has the appearance of a coarse, very 
open lace. The odor of the flowers is not especially agreeable, 
but the plant merits a place in the garden for its beauty. 

TIDY-TIPS. YELLOW DAISY. 

Layia platyglossa, Gray. Composite Family. 

Stems.— A foot or so high ; loosely branching. Leaves. — Alternate ; 
sessile ; the lower linear and pinnatifid, the upper entire. Flower- 
heads. — Solitary; terminal; of disk- and ray-flowers. Disk-flowers. — 
Yellow, with black stamens. Rays. — Bright yellow, tipped with white ; 
six lines long; four lines wide; three-lobed. Hab. — Throughout west- 
ern California ; in low ground. 

Among the most charming of our flowers are the beautiful 
tidy-tips. In midspring, countless millions of them lift them- 
selves above the sheets of golden baeria on our flower- 
tapestried plains. The fresh winds come sweetly laden with 
their delicate fragrance. Were they not scattered everywhere 
in such lavish profusion, we would doubtless cherish them in 
our gardens. 

Growing among these blossoms is often found another 
flower, somewhat similar to them. This is Leptosyne Dou- 
glasii, DC, the false tidy-tips. It has not the clean, natty ap- 
pearance of Layia platyglossa; for the gradual blending of 
the light tips into the darker yellow below gives it an indefi- 
nite, unattractive look. There is a difference in the involucre, 
which has two series of bracts ; the leaves are parted into linear 
or filiform divisions, and there are no touches of black among 
the disk-flowers. 

152 




FALSE TIDY-TIPS— L 



cptosyne Douglasii. TIDY-TIPS— Layia platyglossa. 



YELLOW 

FALSE LUPINE. 

Thermopsis Calif ornica, Wats. Pea Family. 

Stems. — Two feet tall. Leaves. — With leafy stipules an inch long. 
Leaflets. — Three ; obovate to oblanceolate ; an inch or two long ; some- 
what woolly. Flowers. — Yellow ; in long-peduncled racemes. Calyx. — 
Deeply five-cleft ; the two upper teeth often united. Corolla. — Papili- 
onaceous ; eight lines long. Stamens. — Ten; all distinct. Ovary. — One- 
celled. Pod. — Silky ; six- to eight-seeded. Hab. — Marin County and 
southward. 

The false lupine very closely resembles the true lupines, but 
may be distinguished from them by the stamens, which are all 
distinct, instead of being united into a sheath. Its silvery 
foliage and racemes of rather large canary-colored flowers are 
common upon open hill-slopes by April. 

FINGER-TIPS. 

Stylo phyllum edule, Britt and Rose. Stonecrop or Orpine Family. 

Plants with cylindrical, fleshy leaves the size of a lead-pencil, growing 
in tufts often a foot or two across. Flowering steins. — A foot or more 
high. Flowers. — Greenish yellow, in structure similar to those of Dud- 
leya lanceolata. Syn. — Cotyledon edulis, Brew. Hab. — The Coast at 
San Diego. 

These curious plants are found upon the seashore at San 
Diego. The young leaves are considered very palatable by the 
Indians, who use them as a salad. 

GOLDEN BUTTERFLY-TULIP. 

Calochortus clavatus, Wats. Lily Family. 

(See Calochortus.) 

Hab. — Los Angeles County to San Luis Obispo and El Dorado County. 

Of all our mariposa tulips, this is the largest-flowered and 
stoutest-stemmed, and once seen is not readily forgotten. Its 
magnificent flowers are sometimes five inches across, though 
not usually so large, and have the form of a broad-based cup. 
The sturdy, zigzagging stems and glaucous leaves and bracts, 
combined with the large rich, canary-colored or golden flowers, 
make a striking plant. The first glance within the cup shows 
the ring of club-shaped hairs, characteristic of this species, and 

i54 



YELLOW 

the anthers radiating starlike in the center; and as the latter 
are often a dark, rich prune-purple, the effect can readily be 
imagined. 

I saw this charming mariposa blooming in abundance in 
May near Newhall, where its golden cups were conspicuously 
beautiful against the soft browns of the drying fields and hill- 
slopes. It is usually found growing upon lava soil. 

C. Weedii, Wood., found from San Diego to San Luis 
Obispo, is a charming species, somewhat similar to the above. 
Its flowers are yellow, purple, or pure white, and it may be 
known by several characteristics. Its bulb is heavily coated 
with coarse fibers ; it has a single, long radical leaf, like C. 
albus, but unusual among the mariposas ; and its cups are 
covered all over within with silky hairs, which spring from 
brown dots on the petals. 

BUTTER-AND-EGGS. 

Orthocarpus erianthus, Benth. Figwort Family. 

Slender, with many erect branches ; stems and bracts usually dark- 
reddish ; soft pubescent. Corolla. — Deep sulphur-yellow ; the slender 
falcate upper lip dark purple ; the tube very slender, but the sacs of 
the lower lip large and deep, their folds hairy within. (See Orthocar- 
pus.) Hab. — Monterey County and northward; very common. 

There are many species of Orthocarpus, and they are more 
numerous in middle and northern California and in the Sier- 
ras, few of them reaching the south. They are very difficult of 
determination, and are not well understood by botanists yet. 



Malacothrix Calif or nica, DC. Composite Family. 

Leaves. — All radical ; pinnately parted into very narrow linear divi- 
sions. Scape. — Six inches to a foot high ; bearing a solitary, large, 
light-yellow head. Flower-head. — Composed of strap-shaped ray-flowers 
only ; five-toothed at the apex. Involucres. — Of narrow, acute scales 
in two or three series. Receptacle. — Nearly naked. Hai?.— San Fran- 
cisco to San Diego, and eastward. 

These beautiful Composite? are conspicuous upon our open 
plains in late spring, and are among the handsomest plants of 

155 



YELLOW 

the family. The fine flowers seem to be sown like disks of 
light over the flower-carpet of the plain. 

BRASS BUTTONS. 

Cotula coronopifolia, L. Composite Family. 

Stems. — Six inches to a foot long. Leaves. — Alternate; lanceolate 
or oblong-linear ; pinnatifid or entire. Flower-heads. — Solitary ; yellow ; 
three to six lines across ; without rays. Involucre. — Of two ranks of 
nearly equal, scarious-margined scales. Hafr.— Common everywhere. 

These little weeds are natives of the Southern Hemisphere, 
but are now common everywhere. They affect wet places, 
and their little flowers, like brass buttons, are very familiar 
objects along our roadsides. The foliage when crushed gives 
out a curious odor, between lemon-verbena and camphor. 

DEER-WEED. WILD BROOM. 

Hosackia glabra, Torr. Pea Family. 

Woody at base ; two to eight feet high ; erect or decumbent. Stems. 
— Many ; slender ; branching ; reed-like. Leaves. — Sparse ; short- 
petioled ; mostly trifoliolate. Leaflets three to six lines long ; oblong to 
linear-oblong ; nearly glabrous. Flowers. — In numerous small axillary 
umbels ; yellow ; four lines long. Calyx. — Less than three lines long ; 
five-toothed. Corolla. — Papilionaceous. Stamens. — Nine united and 
one free. Pod. — Elongated; exserted. Seeds two. (See Legumi- 
nosce.) Hab. — Common throughout the State. 

This graceful, willowy plant, whose slender branches are 
closely set with small golden-yellow flowers, in which there is 
often a hint of red, is as ornamental as any of the small- 
flowered foreign genestas, or brooms, we grow in our gardens ; 
but because it is so very abundant throughout our borders, we 
have become blind to its merits. It is especially beautiful and 
symmetrical in the south, where the low, bushy plants often 
spread over several feet of ground ; and on the mesas of Coro- 
nado, the plants, growing not far removed from one another, 
lend to the natural scene the aspect of a garden. There it is in 
full flower in April ; but in the north the blossoms are usually 
later in arriving, and it is often June before they show them- 
selves; then making whole hill-slopes dull yellow among the 
chaparral. 

156 




WILD BROOM— Hosackia glabra. 



YELLOW 

It is a great favorite with the bees, and for them holds un- 
told treasure in honey-making sweets. Among the moun- 
taineers it is known as "deer-weed" and "buck-brush,'' as 
both deer and stock are said to feed upon it and flourish, when 
pasturage is scarce, though they rarely touch- it when other 
food is plenty. 

GOLDEN STARS. 

Bloomeria aurea, Kell. Lily Family. 

Bulb. — Six lines in diameter. Leaf. — Solitary; about equaling the 
scape ; three to six lines broad. Scape. — Six to eighteen inches high. 
Flowers. — Yellow ; fifteen to sixty in an umbel. Perianth. — About an 
inch across. Stamens. — Six; with cup-shaped appendages. Ovary. — 
Three-celled. Style club-shaped. Stigma three-lobed. Hab. — The 
Coast Ranges, from Monterey to San Diego. 

Just as the floral procession begins to slacken a little before 
the oncoming of summer, the fields suddenly blossom out anew 
and twinkle with millions of the golden stars of the bloomeria. 
These plants are closely allied to the brodiseas, and by some 
authorities are classed as such. They are especially charac- 
terized by the structure of the stamens, which rise out of a 
tiny cup. Under a glass this cup is seen to be granular, some- 
what flattened, and furnished with two cusps, or points. The 
anthers are a very pretty Nile or peacock green. 

Another species. — B. Clevelandi, Wats. — is easily distin- 
guished from the above by its numerous narrow leaves and 
its green-nerved perianth. This is found at San Diego, upon 
the mesas in midspring, growing abundantly in spots which, 
earlier in the season, have been mud-holes. Its open flowers 
are so outnumbered by the numerous undeveloped green buds, 
that, even though it grows in masses, it is not very showy, but 
makes the ground a dull yellow. But its flower-clusters are 
feathery and delicate. 

There is another plant which closely resembles the bloom- 
erias. This is the "golden brodisea" — Brodicea ixioides, Wats. 
But the filaments, instead of having a cuplike appendage, are 

158 







GOLDEN STARS — Bloo 



meria aurca. 



YELLOW 

winged, with the little anthers swinging prettily upon their 
summits. This is found in the Coast Ranges, from Santa 
Barbara northward, also in the Sierras. It is a beautiful 
flower ; especially when seen starring the velvet alpine meadows 
in August. 

Another plant — Brodicea lactea, Wats. — the "white brodisea," 
has flowers similar to the above, but pure white (sometimes 
lilac), with a green mid-vein. This is common in late spring 
from Monterey to British Columbia. Its flowers are beautiful 
and keep a long time in water. 

TREFOIL SUMACH. FRAGRANT SUMACH. 
SQUAW-BERRY. 

Rhus Canadensis, var. trilobata, Gray. Sumach Family. 

Shrubs two to five feet high ; spreading. Leaves. — Three-foliolate. 
Leaflets. — Sessile ; wedge-shaped ; six lines to an inch long ; pubescent, 
becoming smooth. Flowers. — Yellowish ; minute ; borne in short, scaly- 
bracted spikes preceding the leaves. Fruit. — Viscid ; reddish ; two or 
three lines in diameter ; pleasantly acid. Syn. — R. aromatica, var. tri- 
lobata, Gray. Hah. — Dakota to Texas, and west to California and 
Oregon. 

The dense foliage of these little bushes has a strong odor, 
which is not altogether agreeable, while their small fruit has a 
pleasant acid taste, and is much relished by the Indians. 

Dr. Edward Palmer writes that this shrub furnishes the In- 
dians of Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and southern California 
with one of the most valuable of basket materials. The young 
twigs, which are much tougher than those of the willow, are 
soaked, scraped, and split. The baskets are then built up 
of a succession of 'small rolls of grass, over which the split 
twigs are closely and firmly bound. The baskets thus made 
are very durable, will hold water, and are often used to cook 
in, by dropping hot stones into them till the food is done. The 
wood exhales a peculiar odor, which is always recognizable 
about the camps of these Indians, and never leaves articles 
made from it. 

This is grown in England as an ornamental shrub. 

1 60 



YELLOW 

CALIFORNIA COMPASS-PLANT. SUNFLOWER. 

Wyethia angustifolia, Nutt. Composite Family. 

Stems. — Six inches to two feet high. Leaves. — Long-lanceolate ; 
pointed at both ends ; the radical and lower ones six to twelve inches 
long; the upper sessile, shorter, and often broader. Flower-heads. — 
Yellow ; composed of ray- and disk-flowers. Plume-like styles of the 
latter conspicuous. Ray-flowers. — Numerous ; one inch long ; six lines 
wide ; early deciduous. Involucre. — Broadly campanulate, of numerous 
erect, loose, foliaceous, ciliate scales, in several rows. Hab. — Monterey, 
east to the Sierra foothills and north to Oregon. 

In late spring our open plains and hillsides are often plen- 
tifully sown with the large golden flowers of these California 
compass-plants, called ''sunflowers" by many people. There 
is a belief prevalent that their erect leaves always stand with 
their edges pointing north and south, whence the common 
name. This trait is said to be true of all the species. 

W, helenioides, Nutt., has large, broad leaves, which are 
white-woolly when young. Its flower-heads are often four 
inches or more across. 

This plant is used as a common domestic remedy for coughs 
and colds by California housewives, and goes under the un- 
merited name of "poison-weed." It has also been adopted 
among physicians as an officinal drug. The root, which is 
slightly bitter and aromatic, is made into a tincture and admin- 
istered for asthma, throat disorders, and epidemic influenza, 
with excellent results. It blooms in early spring, and is com- 
mon upon hillsides. 

Another species, very similar to the above, is W. glabra, 
Gray. This may be known by its smooth green leaves, which 
are often very viscid. It is found from Marin County south- 
ward, in the Coast Ranges, and probably northward. A com- 
mon name for this species is "mule's ears." 

W . mollis, Gray, or "Indian wheat," is very abundant in the 
Sierras, growing all through the open woods, and covering 
great tracts of dry gravelly soil. Its large, coarse, somewhat 
woolly radical leaves stand erect and clustered, usually having 
a flower-stalk or two in their midst, bearing some smaller 

161 



YELLOW 

leaves, and several yellow flower-heads, which resemble small 
sunflowers with yellow centers. It has a strong odor, and 
gives a characteristic smell to the region where it grows. The 
common name, "Indian wheat," has been bestowed upon it 
not because it in the least resembles wheat, but because the 
Indians gather the seed in great quantities and grind it into 
a flour. In the spring it is one of the first plants to show 
itself aboveground, and then its woolly, tightly rolled, sage- 
green shoots form a beautiful contrast to their deep wine- 
colored wrappings. These young shoots often peep up from 
the midst of flattened masses of last year's leaves, laid down 
and skeletonized by the winter's snows. 

CALIFORNIA SLIPPERY-ELM. 

Fremontodendron Californica, Coville. Sterculia Family. 

Shrubs or trees from two to twenty feet high. Leaves. — Alternate ; 
petioled ; round-cordate to round-ovate ; moderately three- to five-lobed 
or cleft ; woolly or whitish beneath ; the larger two inches wide. 
Flowers. — Short-peduncled on very short lateral branches; numerous; 
one to three inches across ; having three to five small bractlets. Calyx. — 
Corolla-like ; brilliant gold, five-cleft nearly to the base ; the lobes 
having a rounded, hairy pit at base. Corolla. — Wanting. Filaments. — 
United to their middle ; each bearing a linear, adnate, curved, two-celled 
anther. Ovary. — Five-celled. Style filiform. Syn. — Fremontia Califor- 
nica, Torr. Hab. — Dry Sierra foothills, from Lake County southward. 

No more beautiful sight is often seen than a slope covered 
with the wild slippery-elm in blossom. The bushes are almost 
obscured from view by the masses of large golden flowers. 
This shrub takes on various forms; sometimes sending out in 
every direction long slender branches, which are solid wreaths 
of the magnificent blooms ; and again assuming a more erect, 
treelike habit. It has been hailed with delight in the gardens 
of our Southern States, and heartily welcomed in France and 
England. Why do not zve honor it with a place in our own 
gardens, instead of giving room to so many far less beautiful 
exotics? 

It flowers in early summer, and its season of bloom is said 
to last only about two weeks, but the brilliant hibiscus-like 

162 




CALIFORNIA SLIPPERY-ELM— Fremo 



ntodendron Califomica. 



YELLOW 

blossoms, drying upon their stems, maintain for a long time a 
semblance of their first beauty. The branches are tough and 
flexible, and are often cut for whips by teamsters. Among the 
mountaineers it is generally known as "leatherwood." But 
this name properly belongs to another entirely different plant, 
Dirca palustris. 

The bark of the Fremontodendron so closely resembles that 
of the slippery-elm in taste and other qualities, that it is difficult 
to distinguish between them ; and it is used in the same manner 
for making poultices. 

We are told that this shrub thrives best upon a disintegrated 
granite soil, and reaches its finest development upon the arid 
slopes bordering such rainless regions as the Mojave Desert. 
It was first discovered by General Fremont when crossing the 
Sierras, about half a century ago, and was named in his honor. 
It is closely related to the mallows. 

DODDER. LOVE-VINE. GOLDEN-THREAD. 

Cuscnta, Tourn. Morning-Glory Family. 

Leafless plants with filiform, yellow or orange-colored stems; ger- 
minating in the soil ; soon breaking off and becoming parasitic upon 
other plants. Flozvers. — Small ; white ; densely clustered. Calyx. — 
Usually five-cleft or parted. Corolla. — Tubular or campanulate; four- 
or five-toothed or lobed. Stamens. — On the corolla, alternate with its 
lobes. Filaments with fringed scales below. Ovary. — Globose ; two- 
celled. Styles two. 

. . . "while everywhere 

The love-vine spreads a silken snare, 

The tangles of her yellow hair." 

Though popularly known as the love-vine, because of its 
clinging habit, it must be confessed that this pernicious plant 
in no respect merits the title. On the other hand, it might 
with propriety be called the octopus of the plant world. If 
you break a branch from a plant which has become its victim, 
you can see how it has twined itself about it, drawing its very 
life-blood from it at every turn, by means of ugly, wartlike 
suckers. 

It is no wonder, however, that people are generally deceived 

164 



YELLOW 

as to the moral character of this plant — for it is indeed a beau- 
tiful sight, when it spreads its golden tangle over the chamisal, 
wild buckwheat, and other plants, often completely hiding them 
from view. 

We have a number of species. C. salina often covers our 
salt marshes with brilliant patches of orange. 

YELLOW SWEET CLOVER. 

Melilotus Indica, All. Pea Family. 
Syn. — Melilotus parviflora, Desf. Hab. — Widely naturalized from Europe. 

In early summer the breezes come laden with fragrance 
from the sweet clover. This is easily recognized by its tall 
stems, its fragrant leaves, with three small, toothed leaflets, 
and its small crowded racemes of minute yellow flowers a line 
long. 

A white form — Melilotus alba, Lam. — is found in the north. 
Its flowers are vanilla-scented. 

This plant is a highly valued remedy in the pharmacopoeia 
for various ailments, and its sweet-scented flowers have been 
used for flavoring many products, such as Gruyere cheese, 
snuff, and tobacco. In Europe the blossoms are packed among 
furs to give them a pleasant odor and keep away moths. 

LARGE YELLOW LUPINE. 

Lupinus arbor eus, Sims. Pea Family. 

Shrubby ; four to ten feet high. Flowers. — Large ; in a loose, whorled 
raceme ; sulphur-yellow ; very fragrant. Leaflets. — Four to eleven ; gen- 
erally about nine ; narrowly lanceolate ; nine to twenty lines long. 
Pods. — Two to three inches long ; ten- to twelve-seeded ; silky pubes- 
cent. (See Lupinus.) Hab. — Common from the Sacramento Valley to 
San Diego. 

The large yellow lupine is a common plant upon our wind- 
swept mesas, growing in sandy soil. Its shrubby form, some- 
what silvery foliage, and large canary-colored, very fragrant 
flowers make it always a conspicuous and beautiful plant. 

This species and L. albifrons, Benth., have been found 

165 



YELLOW 

extremely useful in anchoring the shifting sands of the dunes 
near San Francisco. It was accidentally discovered in a deep 
cutting that these lupines sent their roots down sometimes 
twenty feet, and the idea was conceived of making use of them 
in the above manner. Barley, which grows more rapidly than 
the lupine, was sown to protect the plants while very young. 
In a single year the lupines covered the sands with a dense 
growth, two or three feet high, sufficient to prevent them from 
shifting during the severest storms, and to allow of the subse- 
quent planting of various pines, willows, and other trees. Thus 
the way was prepared for one of the most beautiful of pleasure- 
grounds — Golden Gate Park of San Francisco, which can 
hardly be rivaled anywhere for natural situation and diversity 
of scene. 

One of our handsomest species is L. Stiveri, Kell., found in 
the Yosemite Valley. Its blossoms have yellow standards and 
rose-colored wings. 

ST. JOHN'S-WORT. 

Hypericum continuum, Benth. St. John's-wort Family. 

Stems. — Three to eighteen inches high ; branching from a woody 
base. Leaves. — Opposite; often in four ranks; linear to oblong; six 
lines to an inch or more long; usually folded; translucently dotted. 
Flowers. — Golden yellow ; over an inch across. Sepals. — Five. Petals. 
— Five ; margins black-dotted. Stamens. — Numerous; in three bunches. 
Ovary. — Usually three-celled. Styles three. Hab. — Central California. 

Just as spring is merging into summer, we may look for 
the bright golden flowers of our common St. John's-wort. The 
numerous stamens give these blossoms a feathery appearance, 
and the leaves often group themselves characteristically in four 
ranks upon the stems. 

All the plants of the genus are known as St. John's-wort. 
because certain of the species were supposed to flower upon 
the anniversary of this saint. Perhaps there are no other 
plants around which tradition has thrown such a glamour. 
Mr. Dyer says, in his interesting book, "The Folk-Lore of 

1 66 




1 ' jn m '«r*& 

ST. JOHN'S-WORT — Hypericum continuum. 



YELLOW 

Plants," that the St. John's-wort was supposed to be an excel- 
lent amulet against lightning, and that it had the magic prop- 
erty of revealing the presence of witches ; whence in Germany 
it was extensively worn on St. John's Eve, when the air was 
supposed to be peopled with witches and evil spirits, who 
wandered abroad upon no friendly errands. In Denmark it 
is resorted to by anxious lovers who wish to divine their future. 

GOLDEN DICENTRA. 

Dicentra chrysantha, Hook, and Arn. Bleeding-heart Family. 

Stems. — Glaucous and smooth ; two to five feet high. Leaves. — The 
larger ones a foot long or more ; finely dissected into small linear 
lobes. Flowers. — Erect ; yellow ; six to nine lines long ; in a loose ter- 
minal panicle a foot or two long. Sepals. — Two ; small ; caducous. 
Corolla. — Flattened and cordate ; of two pairs of petals ; the outer 
larger, saccate at base, and with spreading tips ; the inner much nar- 
rower, spoon-shaped, their tips cohering and inclosing the anthers and 
stigma. Stamens. — Six. Ovary. — One-celled. Style slender. Stigma 
two-lobed. Hab. — Dry hills, Lake County to San Diego. 

The arrangement of the essential organs in the genus Dicen- 
tra is very curious and interesting. The six stamens are borne 
in two companies of three each, which stand in front of the 
outer petals, and have their filaments more or less united at 
the base. The central stamen in each group has a two-celled 
anther, while its neighbor on either hand has but a one-celled 
anther. The stigma-lobes often bend downward prettily, like 
the flukes of a little anchor. 

To this genus belongs the beautiful Oriental bleeding-heart 
of the garden ; and we have two or three interesting native 
species. 

D. chrysantha is 1 usually a somewhat coarse plant, lacking 
the grace of D. formosa, the California bleeding-heart. The 
pale leaves, which are minutely and delicately dissected, are 
suggestive of the fronds of certain Japanese ferns. But the 
flower-stalks are often stiff and sparsely flowered, and the blos- 
soms, which are erect, not pendulous, have an overpowering 
narcotic odor, much like that of the poppy. These plants may 
be found upon dry hillsides or in sandy washes in early summer, 

1 68 



YELLOW 

where the brilliant yellow blossoms are quite conspicuous. 
One view of these flowers is not unlike the conventionalized 
tulip. 

This species is said to thrive well in cultivation and make a 
very effective plant when grown in rich garden soil. 

CALIFORNIA DANDELION. 

Troximon grandfflorum, Gray. Composite Family. 

Herbs with woody tap-root and milky juice. Leaves. — All radical; 
lanceolate or oblanceolate ; mostly laciniately pinnatifid. Scapes. — One 
to two and one half feet high. Heads. — Solitary; two inches or so 
across ; of strap-shaped yellow rays only. Involucre. — Of several series 
of imbricated scales, the outer foliaceous and loose. Receptacle. — 
Mostly naked; pitted. Akenes. — Two lines long; tapering into a filiform 
beak six or eight lines long, surmounted by a tuft of silk. Hab. — Wash- 
ington to southern California near the Coast. 

The common dandelion of the East has found it way into 
our lawns, but it never adapts itself as a wild plant to the vicis- 
situdes of our dry summer climate. Nature has given us a 
dandelion of our own, of a different genus, which is quite as 
beautiful, though its flowers are not so vivid a gold. They are 
larger than those of the Eastern plant, and are borne upon 
taller stems. In early summer the large, ethereal globes of 
the ripened seed are conspicuous objects, hovering over our 
straw-tinted fields. 

Mr. Burroughs writes of the dandelion : — "After its first 
blooming, comes its second and finer and more spiritual inflo- 
rescence, when its stalk, dropping its more earthly and carnal 
flower, shoots upward and is presently crowned by a globe of 
the most delicate and aerial texture. It is like the poet's dream, 
which succeeds his rank and golden youth. This globe is a fleet 
of a hundred fairy balloons, each one of which bears a seed 
which it is destined to drop far from the parent source." 

If gathered just before they open and allowed to expand in 
the house, these down-globes will remain perfect for a long 
time and make an exquisite adornment for some delicate vase. 

We have several other species of Troximon, but this is our 
finest. 

169 



YELLOW 

STONECROP. 

Sedum spathuli folium, Hook. Stonecrop or Orpine Family. 

Leaves. — Alternate ; fleshy ; spatulate ; six to ten lines long ; sessile ; 
crowded in rosettes at the ends of the decumbent branches. Scapes. — 
Four to six inches high. Flowers. — In compound, one-sided, loose 
cymes ; their parts four or five ; pale-yellow. Sepals. — United at base. 
Petals. — Lanceolate ; three lines long. Stamens. — Twice the number 
of the petals. Pistils — Equaling the number of the petals ; attenuate 
into the short styles. Ovaries. — One-celled. Hab. — Middle California to 
Vancouver Island. 

Blooming somewhat earlier than the "hen-and-chickens," 
but in similar situations, the stonecrop often clothes rock- 
masses with beautiful color. The common name, "orpine," 
was given on account of the yellow, or orpine, flowers ; and 
the name "stonecrop," from its always growing in stony places. 



Hosackia bicolor, Dougl. Pea Family. 

Smooth throughout ; erect ; two feet high. Leaves. — With rather 
large, scarious, triangular stipules ; pinnate. Leaflets. — Five to nine ; 
obovate or oblong ; six to twelve lines long. Peduncles. — Three to 
seven-flowered ; naked or with a small scarious, one- to three-leaved 
bract. Flozvers.- — Seven lines long. Calyx-teeth. — Triangular ; half 
as long as the tube. Standard. — Yellow ; wings and keel white. Sta- 
mens. — Nine united; one free. Pod. — Linear; nearly two inches long; 
acute. Hab. — Middle California to the State of Washington. 

The yellow and white blossoms of this pretty Hosackia are 
quite showy, and are usually found upon low ground near the 
seaboard. 

Another similar species, also having a yellow standard and 
white wings and keel, is H. Torreyi, Gray. This is more or 
less silky pubescent ; its wings are not spreading, its leaflets are 
narrower, and the bract of the umbel is sessile. This is found 
along shaded stream-banks both in the higher Coast Ranges 
and in the Sierras, and blooms in summer. 

H. gracilis, Benth., with the standard yellow and the wide- 
spreading wings and shorter keel of rose-color, occurs in moist 
meadows along the coast from Monterey to the Columbia 
River. It blooms by the middle of April. 

170 




Hosackia gracilis. 



YELLOW 

H. crassifolia, Benth., a very large species, two or three feet 
high, with greenish-yellow or purplish flowers, is abundant in 
the Yoseinite Valley about the borders of meadows. It is also 
common in the foothill region. 

BLAZING-STAR. 

Mentzelia Icevicaulis, Torr. and Gray. Loasa or Blazing-star Family. 

Stems. — Stout ; two or three feet high ; light colored. Leaves. — Alter- 
nate ; sessile ; lanceolate ; sinuate-toothed ; two to eight inches long. 
Flowers. — Sessile, on short branches ; light yellow or cream-color ; three 
or four inches across. Calyx-tube. — Cylindrical ; naked ; limb five-cleft 
nearly to the base. Petals. — About ten ; oblanceolate ; acute. Stamens. 
— Numerous on the calyx; almost equaling the petals. Ovary. — One- 
celled ; truncate at summit. Style three-cleft. Capsule. — Fifteen lines 
long. Hab. — San Diego to the Columbia River, and eastward to 
Wyoming. 

After most other flowers have departed, the magnificent 
blossoms of the mentzelia come forth. It seems as though 
they had waited for the firmament to be clear of other stars 
before bursting upon the sight. Their enormous blossoms are 
crowned by the soft radiance of the long stamens, "like the 
lashes of light that trim the stars." 

These plants are furnished with barbed hairs, which cause 
them to cling to whatever they come in contact with. They 
are of tall and spreading habit, and are often found in the dry 
beds of streams, where their flowers open in the daytime — 
unlike those of M . Lindleyi, which open at night. 

M. Lindleyi, Torr. and Gray, is one of the most brilliantly 
radiant of all our flowers. Its charming blossoms, which open 
on the edge of evening, are of a delicate silken texture, and 
of the richest gold. When the flowers first open, the stamens 
lie flat upon the petals ; but they gradually rise up, forming a 
large tuft in the center of the flower. The faded sepals crown 
the long seed-vessels, like the flame of the conventional torch 
seen in old pictures. This grows in the Monte Diablo Range ; 
and Niles and Alum Rock are convenient places to find it. It 
is cultivated in Eastern gardens under the name of Bart on ia 
anrea. 

172 




BLAZING-STAR— Mentzelia Lindleyi 



YELLOW 

SKUNK-CABBAGE. 

Lysichiton Kamtschatcensis, Schott. Arum Family. 

Rootstock. — Thick; horizontal. Leaves. — All radical; oblong-lanceo- 
late ; acute ; one to three feet or more long ; three to ten inches broad ; 
narrowed to a short petiole or sessile. Flowers. — Small, crowded on a 
spadix, at the summit of a stout peduncle becoming six to twelve 
inches long. Spadix. — With an erect, spoon-shaped spathe, one and 
one-half to two feet long; bright yellow. Perianth. — Four-lobed. 
Stamens. — Four. Filaments short, flat. Ovary. — Conical ; two-celled. 
Stigma depressed. Fruits — Fleshy, coalescent and sunk in the rachis. 
Hab. — Peat bogs ; from Mendocino County northward tc Alaska ; also, 
perhaps, in the Rocky Mountains. 

In our northwestern counties, before the frost is entirely 
out of the ground, the leaves of the skunk-cabbage may be 
seen pushing their way up through the standing water of 
marshy localities. They soon attain a great size, and resemble 
the leaves of the banana-tree. They are of a rich velvet-green, 
slightly mottled, and are said to rival some of the tropical pro- 
ductions of our greenhouses. 

There seems to be a difference of opinion as to the dis- 
agreeableness of these leaves. I suspect the odor lies mostly 
in the slimy, soapy sap, and is not very noticeable if they are 
not bruised or cut. 

When the plants are in bloom, in May and June, they are 
very handsome, the large spoon-shaped, golden spathes being 
conspicuous at some distance. As this spathe withers away, 
the flower-stalk continues to grow, and its little greenish-yellow 
blossoms become brown. 

The peppery root is highly esteemed for medicinal pur- 
poses, and is gathered and made into a salve, which is con- 
sidered a specific for ringworm, white swelling, inflammatory 
rheumatism, etc. The root is said to enter largely into the 
composition of a patent medicine called "Skookum." 

The late Mr. Johnson, of the U. S. Forestry Department in 
Oregon, told me that the bears are very fond of this root, and 
dig industriously for it, often making a hole large enough to 
bury themselves, and he mentioned having seen whole fields 
plowed up by them in their search for it. 

i74 



YELLOW 

This plant belongs to the same family as the skunk-cabbage 
of the East and the calla-lily. It has been found in the Santa 
Cruz Mountains. 

PRICKLY-PEAR. TUNA. 

Op tint ia Engelmanni, Salm. Cactus Family. 

Erect, bushy, spreading shrubs without leaves, with flattened stems 
produced in successive, compressed oval joints. Joints. — Six to twelve 
inches long ; studded sparsely with bundles of stout spines. Flowers. — 
Solitary ; sessile ; yellow or red ; about three inches across. Sepals, 
petals, and stamens. — Numerous in many series, their cohering bases 
coating the one-celled ovary and forming a cup above it. Petals. — 
Spreading. Style one, with several stigmas. Fruit. — Purple ; oval ; 
pulpy; juicy; two inches long. Hab. — Southern California, Los Ange- 
les, San Diego, etc. 

The genus Opuntia is divided into two sections, consisting 
respectively of flat-stemmed and cylindrical-stemmed plants, 
the former commonly known as "prickly-pear," or "tuna," the 
latter as Cholla cactus. 

Of the former, 0. Engelmanni is our commonest wild species. 
It is the one seen from the car- windows growing in great 
patches upon the Mojave Desert, and it is abundant upon dry 
hills all through the south. There are two varieties of it — 
var. occidcntalis, Engelm., the form prevalent in the interior, 
and var. litt oralis, Engelm., found upon the sea-coast from 
Santa Barbara to San Diego. 

These plants have a very leathery, impermeable skin, from 
which evaporation takes place but slowly, which enables them 
to inhabit arid regions. The fruit is sweet and edible, and 
the Indians, who are especially fond of it, dry large quantities 
for winter use. They make of the fresh fruit a sauce, by long- 
continued boiling, which they regard as especially nutritious 
and stimulating after it is slightly fermented. They also roast 
the leaves in hot ashes and eat the slimy, sweet substance 
which is left after the outer skin and thorns have been removed. 

Cattle-men of the southern plains plant the different species 
as hedges about their corrals, and feed the succulent joints to 
their stock after burning off the spines. 

i75 



YELLOW 

Several Mexican species were planted in the early days 
about the Missions by the Padres, as defensive hedges, and 
remnants of these redoubtable fortifications, ten to fifteen feet 
high, are still to be seen stretching for miles through our 
southern fields. 

In Mexico the Opuntia tuna is largely cultivated for the 
rearing of cochineal insects. 

VENEGASIA. 

Venegasia carpesioides, DC. Composite Family, 

Several feet high ; leafy to the top. Leaves. — i\lternate ; slenderly 
petioled ; cordate or ovate-deltoid ; crenate ; two to four inches long ; 
thin. Flower-heads. — Large ; two inches across, including the rays ; 
yellow ; slender-peduncled ; composed of ray- and disk-flowers. Rays. 
— Over an inch long ; six lines wide ; two- or three-toothed ; fertile ; 
about fifteen. Involucre. — Broad; of many roundish-green scales; be- 
coming scarious inward. Hab. — Coast, Santa Barbara and southward. 

This plant, with its ample thin leaves and large yellow 
flowers, would arrest the attention anywhere. It often grows 
under the shade of trees in cool canons, where its blossoms 
brighten the twilight gloom. It is an admirable plant, and has 
but one drawback — its rather unpleasant odor. It is the only 
species of the genus which was named in honor of an early 
Jesuit missionary, Michael Venegas. It is especially abundant 
and beautiful about Santa Barbara. 



CANCER-ROOT. NAKED BROOM-RAPE. 

Aphyllon fasciculatum, Gray. Broom-rape Family. 

Leafless parasitic plants. Stems. — Scaly; thickened and knotty 
below, and bearing on their summits few or many clustered, one- 
flowered peduncles of about the same length. Flowers. — Yellowish ; 
sometimes purplish or reddish outside. Calyx — Slenderly five-toothed. 
Corolla. — Tubular ; over an inch long, with five spreading lobes ; some- 
what bilabiate. Stamens. — Four; in pairs; included. Ovary. — One- 
celled. Style slender. Stigma two-lobed. Hab. — Throughout Califor- 
nia, eastward to Lake Superior. 

There are about half a dozen species of cancer-root known 
upon our Coast, all strange-looking, leafless plants, of very 

i/6 




CANCER-ROOT— Aphyllon fasciculatum. 



YELLOW 

doubtful moral character — for I fear it must be confessed 
they are thieves. Stealthily sending their roots down and 
imbedding them in the roots of their victims, they draw from 
them the nourishment needed for their sustenance. But they 
have been overtaken by the proper retributive punishment — 
for having no longer any need of organs for the elaboration of 
nourishment, they are denied green leaves, the most beautiful 
adornment of many plants ; and even the flowers of some of 
them seem to us to have a sickly, unwholesome hue. How- 
ever, it must be acknowledged that these plants are quite 
interesting, despite their evil ways. 

A. fasciculatum usually blooms in early summer, on dry, 
rocky hills, and is parasitic upon the roots of sagebrush, wild 
buckwheat, etc. 

YELLOW MARIPOSA TULIP. 

Calochortus lutcus, Dougl. Lily Family. 

Stems. — Four to twelve inches high ; bearing a single bulblet in- 
closed in the stem-sheath. Leaves. — Very narrow ; one to three lines 
wide. Flowers. — Erect ; cup-shaped ; yellow ; comparatively small ; not 
oculated, but the petals striated with brown lines, especially on the mid- 
dle third. Gland. — Transversely oblong to lunate ; densely hairy with 
orange-colored ascending hairs, with scattered spreading hairs about it. 
Capsule. — Broad at the base ; tapering upward. Hab. — Clay soil ; Coast 
Ranges from Mendocino County to San Diego. 

The typical C. luteus, as described above, is the least beau- 
tiful of all the mariposa tulips, being lower of stature and 
smaller of flower than most of the others ; but among its varie- 
ties may be found some of the most charming flowers of the 
genus, the true butterfly-tulips of the early Spanish, often ocu- 
lated and marked in a wonderful manner. In color and mark- 
ing they often run closely into forms of C. venustus, the only 
constant characters by which to distinguish them being found 
in the shape of the gland and the capsule and the character of 
the soil in which they grow. 

There are two well-marked varieties — citrinus and oculcttus 
— besides numerous other forms, where the species seems to 

i/8 



YELLOW 

have run riot in color and marking. The var. citrinus is a 
strong, vigorous-growing plant, with flowers of a deep lemon- 
yellow, with a large, distinct, very dark maroon eye on each 
petal. It is exceedingly beautiful. 

• 

FALSE PIMPERNEL. 

Hypericum anagalloides, Cham, and Schlecht. St. John's-wort Family. 

Stems. — Numerous; weak; low; spreading; rooting at the joints. 
Leaves. — Two to six lines long ; oblong to round ; clasping. Flowers. 
— Three or four lines across ; salmon-colored. Stamens. — Fifteen to 
twenty. Capsule. — One-celled. Hab. — Lower California to British Co- 
lumbia, eastward into Montana. 

In moist places the prostrate stems of this little plant often 
make dense mats. 

Its specific name indicates its resemblance to the Anagallis, 
or pimpernel. In fact, one might easily imagine it a pimpernel 
with" salmon-colored flowers. 

SILVER- WEED. CINQUEFOIL. 

Potentilla Anserina, L. Rose Family. 

Stems. — Prostrate. Leaves. — All radical ; a foot or so long ; pinnate, 
with seven to twenty-one leaflets with smaller ones interposed. Leaflets. 
— Sessile ; oblong ; toothed ; shining green ; silvery beneath. Flowers. — 
Bright yellow; long-peduncled ; solitary; an inch across. Sepals. — Five; 
with five bractlets between. Petals. — Five. Stamens. — Twenty to twen- 
ty-five. Pistils. — Numerous ; on a hairy receptacle. Hab. — Throughout 
North America. 

The bright golden blossoms of the silver -weed are common 
in moist places, haunting stream-banks, lingering about stag- 
nant ponds, or even pushing their way up amid the grasses of 
our salt marshes. The white under-surfaces of the leaves are 
responsible for one of the common names of this plant. The 
root has been used in the tanning of leather. 

P. glandiilosa, Lindl., is found upon dry hillsides. It is 
one or two feet high, and is an ill-smelling, somewhat sticky 
plant, with glandular hairs. The steins are leafy, and the small 
flowers, like pale-yellow strawberry-blossoms, are produced in 

179 



YELLOW 

loose clusters. The corolla scarcely exceeds the calyx. The 
leaves, which have from five to nine leaflets, have not the sil- 
very under-surface of those of P. Anserina. We have a num- 
ber of other species. 

GUM-PLANT. GRINDELIA. AUGUST-FLOWER. 

Grindelia cuneifolia, Nutt. Composite Family. 

Bushy ; two to four feet high ; smooth. Leaves. — Cuneate-spatulate 
to linear-oblong; leathery; three or four inches long. Flower-heads. — 
Solitary; terminating the branches; yellow; composed of disk- and 
ray-flowers. Rays. — One inch long. Involucre. — Hemispherical ; of 
numerous scales, with spreading tips. Buds. — Covered with a milky 
gum. Syn. — Grindelia robusta, var. angusti folia, Gray. Hab. — From 
Santa Barbara northward. 

The grindelias are especially characteristic of the region 
west of the Mississippi River, and are all known as "gum- 
plants," or "resin-weeds," owing to the balsamic exudation 
which is found mostly upon the flower-heads. We have several 
species, all of which are rather difficult of determination. 

Before the occupation of California by the whites, the value 
of these plants was known to the Indians, who used them in 
pulmonary troubles, and as a wash in cases of oak-poisoning 
or other skin-diseases. They are now made into a drug by 
our own people, who use them in the same manner as the 
aborigines. 

By the middle of August our salt marshes are gay with the 
bright yellow flowers. 

Every year men are sent out to gather the plant. Only 
about five or six inches of the tops of the branches are cut, as 
the resin is found mostly there in the form of a white gum. 
Tons of these shoots are shipped East annually, to be returned 
to us later in the form of the medicine called "grindelia." 

Grindelia hirsutula. Hook, and Arm, is a pretty species, 
flowering in early summer upon hill-slopes. This may be 
known by its reddish stems and more slender and fewer ray- 
flowers. 



180 




GRINDELIA — Grindelia cuneifolic 



YELLOW 

SULPHUR-FLOWER. 

Eriogonum umbellatum, Torr. Buckwheat Family. 

Leaves. — All radical; obovate to oblong-spatulate ; two inches or less 
long ; mostly smooth above ; sometimes woolly below. Scapes. — Three 
to twelve inches high. Flowers. — Sulphur-yellow ; two or three lines 
long; many contained in each little top-shaped involucre, on threadlike 
stems. Involucres. — Two lines or so long; deeply cleft, the lobes be- 
coming reflexed. Perianth. — Six-parted. Stamens. — Nine. Ovary. — 
Triangular; one-celled. Styles. — Three. Stigmas capitate. (See illus- 
tration of Eriogonum fasciculatum, for flower structure.) Hab. — 
Mountains of middle and northern California, and eastward. 

Large companies of the sulphur-flower may be seen in the 
Sierras in July and August, where it covers open, dry, rocky 
slopes, making brilliant masses of color. 

Growing with this is often found another species, — E. ursi- 
mim, Wats., — with flowers of a beautiful translucent cream- 
color, often tinged with pink. 

COMMON EVENING PRIMROSE. 

Oenothera biennis, L. Evening-Primrose Family. 

Stems. — Stout ; usually simple ; one to five feet high ; more or less 
hairy. Leaves. — Mostly sessile; lanceolate to oblong; two to six inches 
long ; denticulate. Flowers. — Golden yellow ; in a leafy spike ; erect in 
the bud. Calyx-tube. — Twelve to thirty lines long. Petals. — Six to nine 
lines long. Stigma-lobes. — Linear. Capsule. — An inch or less long. 
(See (Enothcra.) Hab. — Throughout the United States. 

The common evening primrose is a very wide-spread plant 

in the United States, and it has long been in cultivation in 

Europe. Its flowers open suddenly at night, and, according to 

tradition, with a popping noise. Referring to this, the poet 

Keats speaks of — KA . r , 

r , A turf of evening primroses, 

O'er which the mind may hover till it dozes ; 

O'er which it well might take a pleasant sleep, 

But that 't is ever startled by the leap 

Of buds into ripe flowers." 

These blossoms were believed to be luminous at night, shin- 
ing by the sunlight stored during the daytime. 

The young roots, which are edible, are excellent, either 
pickled or boiled, having a nutty flavor. In Germany and 

182 




SULPHUR-FLOWER— Eriogonum umbellatum. 



YELLOW 

France these are used, either stewed or raw, in salads, like 
celery ; and the young mucilaginous twigs are also used in the 
same way. A tincture of the whole plant is a valued remedy 
in medicine for many disorders. Our California plants are 
mostly of the var. hirsutissima, Gray, having very large flowers 
and a hairy capsule. A synonym for this form is Oenothera 
Hookcri, Torr. and Gray. 

WILD BOUVARDIA. 

Gilia grandiilora, Gray. Phlox or Polemonium Family. 

Stems. — Erect ; a foot or two high. Leaves. — Two or three inches 
long ; linear or oblong-lanceolate ; sessile. Flozvers. — Salmon-color ; 
crowded at the summit of the stem. Calyx. — With obconic tube and 
broad, obtuse lobes. Corolla. — Narrowly funnel-form, with tube an 
inch long, and five-lobed border almost as broad. (See Gilia.) Syn. — 
Collomia grandiilora, Dougl. Hab. — Widely distributed. 

This plant was formerly placed in the genus Collomia; but 
that genus was not well founded, and all its species have now 
been transferred to Gilia. From the resemblance of its showy 
buff or salmon-colored flowers to the bouvardias of our gar- 
dens, these plants are popularly known as "wild bouvardia." 
The blossoms are found in early summer, and grow usually in 
dry places, exposed to the sun. 

. LITTLE ALPINE LILY. 

Lilium parvum, Kell. Lily Family. 

Bulbs. — Small; of short, thick, jointed scales. Stems. — Slender; eigh- 
teen inches to six feet high. Leaves. — Scattered, or in whorls ; two to 
five inches long ; an inch or less broad ; rich green. Flowers. — Orange- 
vermilion, dotted with purple ; two to fifty ; scattered or somewhat 
whorled. Capsule. — Sub-spherical ; six to nine lines long. Hab. — The 
high Sierras, from Yosemite Valley to Lake Tahoe. 

Passing from the parched and dusty plains of our central 
valleys in July and August, we are transported as though upon 
the magic tapestry of Prince Houssain into a heavenly region 
of springtime, where the streams, fed by the snow lying in 
shadowy mountain fastnesses, gush through plushy emerald 
meadows, starred with millions of daisies and bordered by lux- 

184 




LITTLE ALPINE LILY— TMium parv 



YELLOW 

uriant tangles of larkspurs, columbines, monk's-hoods, lupines, 
and a thousand other charming plants — a veritable flower- 
lover's paradise. 

Here from the thickets, standing with their roots in the 
rich, loamy soil of the brookside, gleam the small orange blos- 
soms of the little alpine lily — little only in flower, for the 
slender stems often rise to a height of six feet, producing sev- 
eral whorls of rich green leaves. These lilies are but an inch 
or an inch and a half long, with their perianth-segments yellow 
to orange below and deeper orange-vermilion above, their tips 
only being rolled backward. Often there are a great many 
buds and blossoms on one plant. 

TARWEED. WILD COREOPSIS. 

Madia elegans, Don. Composite Family. 

Usually viscid throughout. Stems. — Three to six feet high. Leaves. — 
Crowded at the base of the stem ; six to ten inches long ; small above. 
Flower-heads.— Of both ray- and disk-flowers. Rays. — Twelve to fif- 
teen ; one inch long ; three-lobed at the apex ; yellow, sometimes with 
a dark-red base. Involucre. — With one series of scales, each clasping a 
ray. Hab. — Throughout California, and in Oregon and Nevada. 

This is one of the most beautiful of all our tarweeds. Its 
golden, coreopsis-like flowers open after sunset, and close at 
the first warmth of the morning rays. 

All the madias are used medicinally by old Spanish settlers. 

Madia sativa, Molina, the Chile tarweed, is one of our most 
troublesome species, because its viscid secretion is so very 
abundant. The plants are tall, but the flowers are inconspicu- 
ous, owing to the smallness or absence of the rays. It is native 
of Chile as well as of California. 

An oil of excellent quality was made from its seeds in that 
country before the olive was so abundant. 

GOLDEN YARROW. 

Eriophyllum confertfflorum, Gray. Composite Family. 

White-woolly plants, at length smooth. Stems. — A foot or two high. 
Leaves. — Cuneate in outline ; divided into three to seven narrow linear 
divisions. Flowers. — Golden yellow ; in densely crowded flat-topped 

186 




TARWEED— Madia elegans. 



YELLOW 

clusters. Heads. — Small ; of disk- and ray-flowers. Rays. — Four or 
five ; broadly oval or roundish ; one and one-half to two lines long. 
Involucre. — Oval; of about five thin bracts; two lines long. Hab. — 
From San Francisco to the Sierras, and southward to San Diego. 

In early summer many a dry, rocky hill-slope is ablaze with 
the brilliant flowers of the golden yarrow. The brown-mottled 
butterfly may often be seen hovering over it, or delicately 
poising upon its golden table, fanning his wings. 

E. arachnoideum, F. and M., is a very handsome species 
with solitary golden flower-heads an inch or so across. Its 
leaves are broader and not so finely divided, and some of 
the upper ones are linear and entire. This is found near the 
coast from Santa Cruz to Mendocino County. Its leaves are 
conspicuously white-woolly beneath. 

LEOPARD-LILY. TIGER-LILY. 

Lilium pardalinum, Kell. Lily Family. 

Bulbs consisting of forking rhizomes, covered with small erect im- 
bricated scales ; often forming matted masses. Stems. — Three to ten 
feet high. Leaves. — Usually whorled, with some scattered above and 
below ; lanceolate ; three to seven inches long. Flowers. — Few to many ; 
long-pediceled. Perianth segments. — Six; two or three inches long; 
six to nine lines wide ; strongly revolute ; with orange base and reddish 
or scarlet tips ; spotted or dotted with purple on the lower half. Sta- 
mens. — Six. Anthers versatile. Ovary. — Three-celled. Style club- 
shaped. Stigma capitate. Capsule. — Eighteen lines or more long. Hab. 
— Stream-banks and wet meadows in the outer Coast Ranges and in 
the Sierras. 

The leopard-lily often grows in clumps and colonies of sev- 
eral hundred, and is always found in the rich soil of stream- 
banks or of wet, springy places. Most of us have been familiar 
with these spotted -beauties from our childhood, with their 
delicately swinging anthers full of cinnamon-colored pollen. 

A friend writing us from near Mt. Shasta, one July, said : — 
"I wish you could have seen the grove of tiger-lilies we saw 
near the place where we rested and lunched. They sprang 
from a velvet bed of mosses and ferns, under the shadow of a 
great rock, that towered at least a hundred feet above them. 
Out of the rock sprang two streams of living water, ice-cold. 



YELLOW 

which crossed the trail and dashed over a rock below. Upon 
one plant we counted twenty-five buds and blossoms, while a 
friend counted thirty-two upon another." 

Under extraordinarily favorable conditions, this lily has been 
known to reach a height of ten feet. 

YELLOW POND-LILY. 

Nuphar polysepalum, Engelm. Water-Lily Family. 

Leaves. — Six to twelve inches long ; three fourths as wide ; obtuse ; 
deeply cleft at base; floating or erect. Flowers — Floating; three to 
five inches across. Sepals. — Eight to twelve ; petaloid ; bright yellow, 
sometimes greenish without. Petals. — Twelve to eighteen ; small ; about 
equaling the stamens, and resembling them. Stamens. — Numerous; red; 
recurved in age; pollen yellow. Ovary. — Large; eight- to twenty-celled. 
Stigma button-shaped ; many-rayed ; four lines to an inch across. Hab. 
— From Colorado to central California, and northward to Alaska. 

Most of us are familiar with the yellow water-lily, and have 
seen its pretty shield-shaped leaves floating upon the surface 
of some glassy pond, starred with its large golden flowers. 
The latter are sometimes five inches across and quite showy. 
Sometimes entire marshes are covered with the plants. The 
large seeds are very nutritious, and form an important article 
of diet among the northern Indians. 

HUMBOLDT'S LILY. TIGER-LILY. 

Lilium Humboldtii, Roezl and Leichtlin. Lily Family. 

Bulbs. — Large; often weighing over a pound; with scales two or 
three inches long. Stems. — Stout ; purplish ; three or four feet high ; 
eight- or ten-flowered, or more. Leaves. — Wavy-margined; roughish. 
Flowers. — Large ; six to eight inches in diameter ; golden yellow ; 
spotted with pale purple, turning to red or brown Segments. — Having 
papillose prominences near the base. (Otherwise like L. pardalinum.) 
Hab. — The foothills of the Sierras ; southward to San Diego. 

This wonderful lily, at first glance, resembles the common 
leopard- or tiger-lily — L. pardalinum — and it is found some- 
times in the same regions as the latter, but never in the same 
kind of localities. It affects the loose soil of dry, upland 
woods, but never grows in wet or boggy places, and no finer 
sight could be imagined than a canon-side covered with these 



YELLOW 

golden lilies nodding on their tall stems. Its flowers are larger 
than those of L. pardalinum, and have more of a golden hue 
and less of red in them. Its time of blossoming is in July. A 
plant was once known which had fifty buds and blossoms, 
thirty of which were open at once ! 

PINE-DROPS. 

Pterospora andromedea, Nutt. Heath Family. 

Stems. — One to three feet high. Bracts. — Crowded at base ; scattered 
above. Calyx. — Five-parted. Corolla. — Three lines long; yellowish. 
Stamens. — Ten. Anthers tailed ; opening lengthwise ! Ovary. — Five- 
celled. Style short. Stigma five-lobed. Hab. — Throughout California, 
and across the continent. 

In our walks in the mountains, we occasionally encounter 
the flesh-colored wands of this curious plant. The colorless 
leaves are reduced to mere bracts, and the stems are densely 
clothed above with the little yellowish waxen bells. The 
whole plant is very viscid and disagreeable to handle. 

Though rare, it is found all across the continent. In the 
East it grows only under pine-trees, upon whose roots it is 
supposed to be parasitic, while in California it is said to be 
found under both oaks and pines. 

There is but a single species in this genus. The seed is 
furnished with a broad membranous wing, which has given 
rise to the name Pterospora, derived from two Greek words, 
meaning wing and seed. When mature, the tall dark-red stems, 
with their pretty seed-vessels, often persist in a dried state until 
the following season, and are then beautiful adornments in our 
mountain cabins, and are certainly more agreeable to gather 
than when fresh. 

COMMON SUNFLOWER. 

Helianthus annuus, L. Composite Family. 

Hispid, coarse plants. Stems. — Several feet high. Leaves. — Mostly 
alternate ; petioled ; deltoid-ovate to ovate-lanceolate ; acuminate ; three 
to seven inches long ; three-ribbed at base. Flower-heads. — Large ; 
three or four inches across, including the rays ; solitary ; composed of 
yellow ray-flowers and purple-brown, tubular disk-flowers. Involucre. 
— Of several series of imbricated, ovate, acuminate scales. Disk. — 

190 




PINE-DROPS — Pterospora andromedea. 



YELLOW 

An inch or so across. Hab. — Plains and open places; north-central 
and southern California, and eastward. 

The stately form of the sunflower is a common sight in the 
south, where whole fields are often covered with the plants. 
Their season of blossoming is supposed to be in the autumn, 
but we have seen them blooming just as gayly in March. This 
wild sunflower of the plains is believed to be the original parent 
of the large sunflower of our gardens. 

Its seeds are used by the Indians as food and in the prepara- 
tion of hair-oil. 

Popular tradition makes this blossom a worshiper of the 
sun, and it is believed to follow him with admiring glances. 

" The lofty follower of the sun, 
Sad when he sets, shuts up her hollow leaves, 
Drooping all night, and when he warm returns, 
Points her enamored bosom to his ray." 

Another species, — H. Calif or nicus, DC, — found from San 

Francisco Bay southward, along streams, has something the 

same habit as the above, but may be known from it by its 

slender, smooth stems, leafy to the top, the long, sprawling, 

awl-shaped bracts of its involucre, and its more delicate flowers, 

about two and a half inches across. The disk-corollas are 

slightly pubescent below. This species has a rather strong 

balsamic odor. 

TARWEED. 

Hemitonia luzulcefolia, DC. Composite Family. 

Glandular, strong-scented plants. Stems. — Loosely branching; slen- 
der ; six inches to two feet high. Leaves. — Linear ; very small above ; 
elongated and withering early below. Flower-heads. — White or light 
yellow ; composed of ray- and disk-flowers. Rays. — Six to ten ; two 
to five lines long; three-lobed. Scales of the involucre each clasping 
a ray. Hab. — Common throughout the western part of the State. 

Under the common designation of "tarweed," plants be- 
longing to two different genera — Madia and Hemitonia — and 
comprising thirty or forty species, may be found. They are 
mostly annuals or biennials, with viscid, heavily scented foli- 
age, which make themselves conspicuous in late summer and 

192 




TARWEED — Hemizonia luzulccfolia. 



YELLOW 

through the autumn. The hemizonias are distinctively Cali- 
fornian; while the madias we have in common with Chile. 
Their viscid exudation is particularly ruinous to wool and 
clothing, but alcohol is a solvent for it, and will generally 
remove it. 

We wonder how these plants, which flourish in our driest 
seasons, can extract so much moisture from the parched earth, 
and of what practical use this resinous secretion can be in their 
economy. Though some of them are described as having a 
disagreeable odor, many of them have a very pleasant balsamic 
fragrance, which gives our summer and autumn atmosphere a 
peculiar character of its own. Whole fields and hillsides are 
tinged with their warm olive foliage, or are yellow with their 
golden flowers, which appear like a fall revival of the butter- 
cups. The flowers open mostly at night or in early morning, 
closing in bright sunshine. 

Hemitonia luzul&folia is a common species, whose flowers 
have the odor of myrrh. 

MOTH-MULLEIN. 

Verbascum Blattaria, L. Figwort Family. 

Stem. — Tall and slender. Leaves. — Alternate ; oblong ; crenate- 
toothed ; nearly smooth ; the upper ovate, acute, clasping. Flowers. — 
Yellow or white ; purple-tinged ; an inch or so across ; in a terminal 
raceme ; the pedicels much exceeding the calyx-lobes. Calyx. — Five- 
parted. Corolla. — Wheel-shaped, with five rounded, somewhat unequal 
lobes. Stamens. — Five. Filaments violet-bearded. Anthers conflu- 
ently one-celled. Pollen orange-colored, copious. Ovary. — Two-celled. 
Style slender. Hab. — The upper Sacramento Valley, central Califor- 
nia, etc. ; naturalized from Europe. 

The mulleins are natives of Europe, which have found their 
way across the water to us. Two or three species are now 
common in some localities. The moth-mullein is so called 
because its blossoms have the appearance of a number of deli- 
cate moths resting upon the stem. This is a tall, green plant. 

Another species — V. Thapsus, L. — is also quite common. 
In the Sacramento Valley its tall, woolly tapers may be seen 

194 



YELLOW 

leaning in every direction, giving the fields a disorderly ap- 
pearance. This plant abounds throughout Europe and Asia, 
and was well known to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who 
made lampwicks of its dried leaves and utilized its stalks, 
dipped in tallow, for funeral torches. In medieval Europe it 
was called "hag-taper," because it was employed by witches 
in their incantations. In Europe at the present time it is 
known as the "American velvet-plant," because of a mistaken 
idea that it is a native of this country. 

CALIFORNIA GOLDENROD. 

Solidago Calif ornica, Nutt. Composite Family. 

Stem. — Rather stout; low or tall. Leaves. — Oblong, or the upper 
oblong-lanceolate, and the lower obovate. Flowers. — In a dense, pyra- 
midal panicle, four to twelve inches long, with mostly erect racemose 
branches. Heads. — Three or four lines long ; yellow. Rays. — Small ; 
seven to twelve; about as many as the disk-flowers. Hab. — Throughout 
California, to Nevada and Mexico. 

Our State is not so rich in goldenrods as New England, 
yet we have several rather pretty species. Solidago Calif or- 
nica is found upon dry hills, and blooms from July to October. 
It is said to thrive well under cultivation. 

It differs from the "Western goldenrod" in having its 
flowers in a pyramidal cluster. 

WESTERN GOLDENROD. 

Solidago occidentalis, Nutt. Composite Family. 

Smooth throughout. Stems. — Paniculately branched; two to six feet 
high. Leaves. — Linear ; entire ; obscurely three-nerved ; two to four 
inches long; one to three lines wide. Flower-heads. — In numerous 
small, flat clusters, terminating the slender branchlets ; three lines long ; 
yellow. Rays. — Sixteen to twenty ; not surpassing the eight to fourteen 
disk-flowers. Involucre. — Of imbricated scales ; the outer successively 
shorter. Hab. — Near the Coast, from southern California to British 
x\merica. 

The Western goldenrod, with its slender, willowy stems 
and small flower-clusters, may be found in wet places in late 
summer and early autumn. Its blossoms are acacia-scented. 

i95 



YELLOW 

CREOSOTE-BUSH. GOBERNADORA. HIDEONDO. 

Larrea Mexicana, Moricand. Creosote-Bush Family. 

Ill-smelling, resinous shrubs, four to ten feet high ; diffusely branched. 
Leaves. — Opposite ; with two unequal leaflets. Leaflets. — Three to six 
lines long; pointed; sessile. Flowers. — Solitary; yellow. Sepals. — Five; 
silky; deciduous. Petals. — Five; three or four lines long. Stamens. — 
Ten ; on a small ten-lobed disk. Filaments winged below. Ovary. — 
Five-celled ; Style slender. Hab. — Inland deserts of the southern part 
of the State. 

The most plentiful shrub growing in our southern desert 
regions is the creosote-bush, so called because its sticky leaves 
burn with a black smoke and a rank odor, between creosote 
and carbolic acid. 

These shrubs often cover vast tracts of arid soil, and in 
places are the only growth to be seen. The evergreen foliage 
is of a warm olive tone, and is borne at the ends of many slen- 
der, grayish branches. The small, stemless, opposite leaves, 
each divided almost to its base into two leaflets, spread butter- 
fly-like upon the slender branchlets. The leaf-nodes are swollen 
into small, warty prominences, which are especially resinous. 

In many localities, especially in Arizona, the branches of 
this shrub are thickly incrusted with a certain gummy sub- 
stance, which careful examination has proved to be almost 
identical with the East Indian shellac of commerce. This is 
caused by an insect of the genus Coccus, who stings the young 
twigs, at the same time laying its eggs in them, causing them to 
exude the gum. Could this gum be collected in sufficient quan- 
tities, it would doubtless prove a valuable article of commerce, 
probably not inferior to the East Indian lac. Dr. Edwd. 
Palmer writes that it is extensively used by our Indians as a 
cement with which to fasten their flint arrow-heads to the 
shafts, to mend broken pottery, and to make water-tight their 
baskets, woven of grass and roots. The plant yields a greenish- 
yellow dye, with which they paint their persons and color their 
fabrics ; but garments so dyed are said to emit a disagreeable 
odor always upon being heated. 

196 



YELLOW 

A lotion made by steeping the branches in water is said to 
be an excellent remedy for sores ; while the leaves dried and 
reduced to powder are effectively used for the same purpose. 
Some of our pharmacists say that the plant is a valuable rem- 
edy for rheumatism. 

By the Spanish-Californians this shrub is known as "gober- 
nadora" and "hideondo" ; and by the American settlers of the 
desert it is known by several uncomplimentary names, among 
them the meaningless one of "grease wood." 

It blossoms in early summer. 

BALSAM-ROOT. 

Balsamorrhisa sagittata, Nutt. Composite Family. 

Leaves. — All radical ; four to nine inches long, on stalks still longer ; 
entire ; cordate-sagittate or deltoid-hastate ; silvery woolly. Flowers. — 
Solitary or sometimes two or three at summit of the scape ; golden 
yellow. Heads. — Large, two inches or more across, composed of both 
disk- and ray-flowers. Hab. — The eastern side of the Sierras, east- 
ward to beyond the Rocky Mountains. 

The balsam-root is often found growing with the Indian 
wheat, but may be distinguished from it by its sagittate leaves 
and tall leafless flower-stems. 

We have several species of Bahamorrhiza, all having thick 
roots, w T ith resinous bark with the flavor of turpentine. 

In Oregon the Indians cook these roots for food after remov- 
ing the outer bark, and call the product "pash" or "kayoum." 



T97 



" Springing in green valleys, 
And on the mountains high, 
And in the silent wilderness 
Where no man passeth by." 



III. PINK 

Pink or occasionally or partially pink flowers not described 
in the Pink Section. 

Described in the White Section: — 
Achillea millefolium — Yarrow. 
Calochortus venustus — Mariposa Tulip. 
Cassiope Mertensiana — Cassiope. 
Chimaphila Menziesii — Prince's Pine. 
Convolvulus luteolus — Wild Morning-glory. 
Gaultheria Shallon — Salal. 
Lathyrus Torreyi. 

Lathyrus vestitus — Common Wild Pea. 
Layia glandulosum — White Daisy. 
Lilium rubescens — Ruby Lily. 
Malacothrix saxatilis. 

Mesembryanthemum crystallinum — Ice-Plant. 
CEnothera Californica — White Evening Primrose. 
Orthocarpus versicolor — Pelican Flower. 
Pyrola aphylla. 
Raphanus sativus — Radish. 
Rhododendron occidentale — California Azalea. 
Rubus spectabilis — Salmon-Berry. 
Spiraea lucida — Pink Spirsea. 
Spiraea Douglasii — Californian Hardhack. 
Spraguea umbellata — Pussy's-Paws. 

Described in the Yellow Section: — 

HOSACKIA GRACILIS. 

Described in the Blue and Purple Section: — 
Calochortus splendens — Mariposa Tulip. 
Calochortus uniflorus. 
Trillium sessile — California Trillium. 

Described in the Red Section: — 
Gilia aggregata — Scarlet Gilia. 

Described in the Miscellaneous Section: — 

Cypripedium Californicum — California Lady's Slipper. 
Gomphocarpus tomentosus — Hornless Woolly Milkweed. 
Rumex hymenosepalus — Wild Pie-Plant; Canaigre. 

199 



PINK 



RED-STEMMED FILAREE. ALFILERILLA. CLOCKS. 
PIN-CLOVER. 

Erodium cicutarium, L'Her. Geranium Family. 

Leaves. — Chiefly radical in a depressed rosette; six to ten inches 
long ; dissected into narrow toothed lobes. Stem-leaves smaller. 
Flowers. — Pink ; four to eight in an umbel ; parts in fives. Petals. — 
Three lines long. Stamens. — Five perfect, with flattened filaments ; five 
reduced to mere scales. Carpels and styles one or two inches long ; 
separating upward from a central axis into twisted, bearded tails. Hab. 
— Throughout the State. 

The name "alfilerilla" is Spanish, coming from alfiler, a 
needle, and refers to the long, slender beak of the carpels. By 
corruption it has become "filaree." 

This plant is found in abundance everywhere, and is one 
of our most valuable forage-plants. It varies greatly in size, 
and becomes very rank in growth where the soil is rich. 
Ordinarily, it makes its appearance soon after the beginning 
of the rainy season, as a rosette of leaves lying upon the 
ground, and later it sends up its reddish stems. Its seed- 
vessels look like a group of fantastic, long-billed storks, and 
the long beaks of the carpels, as they separate from the central 
axis, begin to curl about any convenient object. They are 
thus widely disseminated in the hair of animals and the clothing 
of people. Children call them "clocks," and love to stand 
the seed up in their clothing and watch the beaks wind slowly 
about, like the hands of a timepiece. 

We have several other species of Erodium. E. moschatum, 
L'Her., is a coarser plant whose foliage has a musky fragrance, 
especially when wilted: It is also a valuable forage-plant, and 
is commonly known as "musky filaree" or "green-stemmed 
filaree," or "musk clover." 

E. Botrys, Bertoloni, is a very abundant plant. Its flowers 
are larger, six lines across, and are pink, strongly veined with 
wine-color. The beaks of its carpels are sometimes four inches 
long. 



200 




RED-STEMMED FILAREE — Erodium cicutarium. 



PINK 



REDWOOD-SORREL. 

Oxalis Oregana, Nutt. Geranium Family. 

Herbs with sour juice. Leaves. — With three leaflets; petioles two to 
even twelve inches long. Leaflets one or two inches broad; usually 
light-blotched. Scapes. — One to six inches long; one-flowered. Sepals. 
— Five. Petals. — Five; nine to twelve lines long; white or rose-colored, 
often veined with darker color ; usually having an orange spot at base. 
Stamens. — Ten. Ovary. — Five-celled. Styles five. Hab. — Coast woods, 
from Santa Cruz to Washington. 

In deep woods, "where no stir nor call the sacred hush 
profanes," the beautiful leaves and delicate flowers of the 
redwood-sorrel cover the ground with an exquisite tapestry, 
which catches the shimmer of the sunlight as it shifts down 
through the tall trees. If the goddess Nanna in passing left 
the print of her pretty fingers upon the clover, perhaps some 
wood-nymph may have touched the leaves of this charming 
plant. Each day as twilight deepens, the leaflets fold gently 
together and prepare to sleep. 

The small yellow oxalis — O. corniculata, L. — becomes a 
troublesome weed in our lawns. 

ROCK-CRESS. 

Arabis blepharophylla, Hook, and Arn. Mustard Family. 

Stems. — Four to twelve inches high. Radical leaves. — Broadly spatu- 
late ; one or two inches long. Cauline leaves. — Oblong; sessile. All 
leaves. — Ciliate. Flowers. — Purplish-pink. Sepals. — Four ; generally 
colored. Petals. — Four; six to nine lines long; clawed. Stamens. — 
Six ; two shorter. Ovary. — Two-celled. Stigma button-shaped. Pod. — 
Linear ; an inch or more long ; flattened. Hab. — The Coast, from San 
Francisco to Monterey. 

The bright magenta-colored blossoms of the rock-cress may 
be looked for in early spring along the hills of the Coast 
Ranges. This plant is said to be very beautiful in cultivation. 
The generic name was bestowed because many of the well- 
known species are natives of Arabia, while the formidable 
specific name means "eyelash-leaved," referring to the ciliate 
leaves. 



202 




REDWOOD-SORREL— Oxah 



is Oregana. 



PINK 



WILD HOLLYHOCK. 

Sidalcea malvceflora, Gray. Mallow Family. 
Stems —Several; eight inches to two feet long. Leaves.— Round in 
outline- variously lobecl and cut. Flowers.-Vmk; in terminal racemes. 
Ca /£ -Five-cleft without bractlets. Pctals.-Five ; united at base ; one 
inch long. Stamens.-Umted in a column; in two series Anthers 
one-celled Ovaries.— Three to ten in a ring; separating at maturity. 
Styles as many; filiform. Hab.-The Coast from San Diego to Mendo- 
cino County. 

In early spring the graceful sprays of the Sidalcea bend over 
our meadows everywhere, making them bright with their pink 
blossoms, which the children call "wild hollyhocks." The 
stamens of these flowers are especially pretty and interesting if 
examined with a glass. By a careful dissection, the stamen- 
column is found to be double, its outer part bearing five 
bunches of stamens. The anthers are one-celled and of a beau- 
tiful rose-pink. They may be seen best by pulling apart one 
of the unopened buds. 

There are two kinds of these plants, one having large pale- 
pink flowers, which are perfect ■; the other bearing smaller deep 
rose-pink blossoms, in which the anthers are only rudimentary. 
There are quite a number of species of Sidalcea in Califor- 
nia, but they are very difficult of determination for the non- 
botanist. 

REDBUD. JUDAS-TREE. 

Cercis occidentalism Torr. Pea Family. 
Small trees or shrubs. Leaves. -Alternate ; slender-petioled ; round- 
cordate ; palmately veined; smooth; about two inches in diameter 
Flozvers.-Rose-color;, papilionaceous; clustered in the axils. Petals 
—Four lines long; the standard smaller and inclosed by the wings. 
5^L-Ten;a 8 ll distinct. O.ary.-One-celled. P^.-Two or three 
inches long; thin. Hab.—Mt. Shasta to San Diego. 

By April, or earlier, our interior hills and valleys begin to 
show the rosy blossoms of the Judas-tree. The leafless branches 
are wreathed with the abundant flowers, which gives the shrub 
the appearance of a garden fruit-tree. When seen later, in its 
full summer foliage, it is almost equally attractive. Its shapely 

204 




WILD HOLLYHOCK— Sidalcea makcrHora. 



PINK 

leaves are then diversified by the clusters of long purple pods, 
which hang gracefully among them. 

The Indians find the slender twigs of this shrub very useful 
in their basket-making. By means of the thumb-nail or flints, 
they split them into threads, which they use as woof. 

A closely allied species of Cercis, growing in Palestine, had, 
according to tradition, white flowers, until the arch-traitor 
Judas hanged himself from its limbs, when it blushed pink for 
very shame. 

In medieval Europe the Judas-tree was believed to be a 
favorite rendezvous for witches, and it was considered danger- 
ous to approach one at nightfall. 

HUCKLEBERRY. 

V actinium ovatum, Pursh. Heath Family. 

Evergreen shrubs, three to eight feet high. Leaves. — Ovate to oblong- 
lanceolate; leathery; smooth and shining. Flowers. — In axillary clus- 
ters ; small ; pinkish. Calyx. — Minutely five-toothed. Corolla. — Cam- 
panulate; two or three lines long. Stamens. — Ten; anthers opening 
terminally. Ovary. — Globose ; five-celled. Style filiform. Berries. — 
Small ; reddish, turning black. Hob. — The Coast Ranges from Monterey 
to Vancouver Island. 

When in bloom our California huckleberry is a delightful 
shrub. Its leaves, which are of a particularly rich, shining 
green, are set at a characteristic angle to the red stems, con- 
trasting finely with their warm tones ; and the effect is height- 
ened by the clusters of small pink and white waxen bells 
scattered here and there amid the foliage. 

The huckleberry is at its best upon the high ridges of the 
Coast Ranges, where it becomes especially luxuriant in the fog- 
nurtured region of the northern portion of the redwood belt. 
There its abundant berries become juicy and delicious, and are 
much sought for preserving and pie-making. Its branches, 
when cut, keep admirably in water and are favorite greens for 
household decoration. 



206 




HUCKLEBERRY— Vaccinium ovatu, 



PINK 



STAR-FLOWER. CHICKWEED-WINTERGREEN. 

Trientalis Euro pact, var. la ti folia, Torr. Primrose Family. 

Root. — Tuberous. Stem. — Four to eight inches high ; with a whorl 
of oval, pointed leaves one to four inches long. Flowers. — White or 
pink; eight lines across. Calyx and rotate corolla seven-parted, some- 
times six- to nine-parted ; divisions pointed. Stamens. — As many as 
the corolla-lobes, and opposite them. Ovary. — One-celled. Style fili- 
form. Hab. — The Coast Ranges, from Monterey northward, also in the 
Sierras. 

In April and May, as we walk through shaded woods, we 
begin to notice a trim little plant three or four inches high, with 
very slender stem, bearing at its summit a number of pretty 
leaves of varying size. A little later, we find among them one 
or two delicate pink, starry flowers on very slender, threadlike 
stems. 

The generic name is from the Latin triens, and is in allusion 
to the height of the plant, which is the third part of a foot. 

CLINTONIA. 

Clintonia Andrcwsiana, Torr. Lily Family. 

Leaves. — Radical; oblong; six inches to one foot long; two to four 
wide. Flower-stem. — One or two feet high ; with one leafy bract. 
Flowers. — Pink ; many ; in a terminal compound cluster on pedicels an 
inch or less long. Perianth. — Campanulate; four to seven lines long. 
Segments. — Six; gibbous at the base. Stamens. — Six. Ovary. — Two- 
or three-celled. . Fruit. — Beautiful, large, dark-blue berries. Hab. — 
The Coast Ranges, from Santa Cruz to Humboldt County. 

This is one of the most distinguished-looking plants of our 
deep coast woods. Its large leaves, of a rich polished green, 
arrange themselves symmetrically around the short stem, seem- 
ing to come from the ground — and so fine are they, that if no 
blossom appeared, we should feel the plant had fulfilled its 
mission of beauty. But in April a blossom-stalk shoots up 
from their midst, bearing upon its summit a cluster of deep 
rose-colored, nodding bells. These are succeeded later by a 
bunch of superb dark-blue berries, which might be made of 
lapis lazuli or the rarest old delft china. I remember a beauti- 
ful spot upon the Lagunitas Creek, where the stream, flowing 

208 



PINK 

over a brown, pebbly bottom, passes among the redwoods 
where their tall shafts make dim cathedrals aisles, — 

. . . "forest-corridors that lie 
In a mysterious world unpeopled yet." 

Here little yellow violets and the charming wood-sorrel carpet 
the ground, the fetid adder's-tongue spreads its mottled leaves, 
while groups of the lovely Clint onia put the finishing touches 
to an already beautiful scene. 

LEMONADE-BERRY. MAHOGANY. 

Rhus integrifolia, Benth. and Hook. Sumach Family. 

Evergreen shrubs two to six feet high, becoming small trees south- 
ward. Leaves. — Alternate ; short-petioled ; one to three inches long ; 
rigid; leathery; ovate. Flowers. — Of two sexes, also some perfect; in 
short, dense terminal clusters one to three inches long; rose-colored or 
white. Sepals, petals, and stamens. — Four to nine; usually five. Petals. — 
Rounded ; ciliate ; one or two lines across. Ovary. — One-celled. Stig- 
mas three. Fruit. — Flat ; one-seeded ; six lines across ; red ; viscid and 
acid. Hab. — The Coast from Santa Barbara to San Diego. 

Growing everywhere upon the southern coast in great 
abundance, this shrub forms low, dense, wind-shorn thickets. 
Farther inland it rises to a height of several feet, with tough, 
India-rubber-like branches, and in Lower California it becomes 
a small tree. In its better estate it is very ornamental, espe- 
cially in spring, when sprinkled with its clusters of small pink 
flowers. The little drupes are covered with an acid, oily sub- 
stance, and have long been used by the Indians and Mexicans 
in the preparation of a lemonade-like drink. These people are 
so fond of this fruit that they dry it for winter use, grinding 
and roasting it as we do coffee. The wood of these shrubs is 
of a dark-red color, which is responsible for the common name, 
"mahogany." 

Another Rhus very common in the valleys of southern 
California is R. laurina, Nutt, usually called "sumach." It 
is an evergreen shrub, with smooth, lanceolate leaves, two or 
three inches long, exhaling a rather strong odor, considered by 
some like bitter almonds, and bearing dense clusters of small 

209 



PINK 

white flowers in midsummer. Its small drupes are only a line 
or two across. They are also coated with a waxen substance, 
and yield a pungent oil. 

In the mountains from Santa Barbara to San Diego is found 
another species — R. ovata, Wats. This has large leathery, 
pointed leaves, and is known as "lemonade-and-sugar-tree," 
as the acid berries are coated with a sweet, waxen substance, 
which the Indians value as sugar. Its leaves resemble in form 
those of the lilacs of our gardens. 

SHOOTING-STARS. WILD CYCLAMEN. MAD VIOLETS. 

Dodecatheon Meadia, L. Primrose Family. 

Leaves. — All radical; tufted; from obovate to lanceolate. Scape. — 
Three to fifteen inches high ; umbel two- to twenty-flowered. Calyx. — 
Deeply five-cleft, the divisions reflexed in flower, erect in fruit. Corolla. 
— With extremely short tube, and an abruptly reflexed five-parted limb ; 
white, rose-color, or purple. Stamens. — Five; opposite the corolla-lobes. 
Filaments short ; united. Anthers standing erect around the long style, 
forming a beak ; violet. Ovary. — One-celled. Hab. — Throughout the 
continent ; exceedingly variable. 

The shooting-star is one of our prettiest spring flowers, 
which arrives a little before the baby-eyes and just as the brakes 
are unrolling their green crosiers. There is something partic- 
ularly pleasing in these blossoms. It seems as though Nature 
had taxed her ingenuity to produce something original when 
she fashioned them. The name Dodecatheon, from the Greek, 
is entirely a fanciful one, and means "the twelve gods." 

Formerly D. Meadia, L., was considered the only species, 
embracing many widely varying forms ; but of late botanists 
have made several of the forms into separate species. 

D. Hendersoni (Gray), Ktz., is the species prevalent in our 
central and northern Coast Ranges. This has ovoid or obo- 
void, very obtuse, entire leaves, with broad petiole, equaling 
the blade, two inches long. Its flower-stem is from eight to 
twelve inches high, bearing a cluster of bright rose-purple 
flowers. The corolla has a short, dark-maroon tube, encircled 
by a band of yellow, sometimes merging into white. The 

210 




SHOOTING-STARS — Dodecathcon Hendersoni, var. cruciata. 



PINK 

variety cruciata, with very slender steins and the flower parts 
in fours, is common in the Bay region, and southward possibly 
to Santa Barbara. Its blossoms have a strong odor, suggestive 
of a tannery. In this species the capsule opens at the top, split- 
ting into a number of little teeth, which soon turn downward. 

D. Clevelandi, Greene, is a beautiful species found in the 
south. It sends up a tall shaft, crowned with a large cluster 
of beautiful blossoms, varying from a delicate lilac to pure 
white. The petals are ringed below with pale yellow, and the 
beak of the flower is a rich prune-purple. There is a certain 
generous, fine look about these flowers, although they are 
exquisitely delicate. Their charm is completed by a delicious 
perfume, like that of the cultivated cyclamen. 

In midsummer the wet meadows of the Sierras, particularly 
in the Yosemite region, are rosy with these flowers, which are 
peculiarly beautiful against the lush green grasses. 

Among the children the various forms are known by a num- 
ber of names, such as "mad violets," "prairie-pointers," "mos- 
quito-bills," and "roosters'-heads." The latter is said to be 
the designation of prosaic little boys who see in these blos- 
soms gaming possibilities, and who love to hook them together 
and pull to see which head will come off first. 

PRICKLY PHLOX. 

Gilia Calif omica, Benth. Phlox or Polemonium Family. 

Stems. — Woody ; two or three feet high. Leaves. — Alternate ; pal- 
mately three- to seven-parted, with spreading, needle-like divisions, two 
to four lines long. Flowers. — Solitary, at the ends of the branchlets ; 
rose-pink or lilac, with' a white eye. Calyx. — Five-toothed. Corolla- 
limb. — An inch and a half across. (See Gilia.) Hab. — Dry hills from 
Monterey to San Bernardino. 

I hardly know how to describe these delightful flowers. At 
a little distance the plant-stems have almost the look of a 
cactus, so densely are they clothed with the small, rigid leaves. 
Nor does a closer acquaintance serve to lessen the likeness — 
for in our breathless haste to take possession of the beautiful 

212 




PRICKLY PHLOX— Gilia California. 



PINK 

blossoms we are quite certain to have their prickly character 
impressed upon the hands as well as upon the sight. The tex- 
ture of the flowers is of the finest silk, with an exquisite sheen ; 
and they have a delicate fragrance. Growing at the tips of the 
numerous branchlets, they often form large masses of rich rose- 
colored bloom, which are especially brilliant and showy against 
the warm foliage. 

In some localities they are called "rock-rose," an unfortu- 
nate name in two respects : it has long belonged to a yellow 
flower of an entirely different family — Helianthemum; and 
these blossoms do not in the least resemble a rose. 

CALIFORNIA FOUR-O'CLOCK. 

Mirabilis Californica, Gray. Four-o'clock Family. 

Stems. — From a woody base ; a foot or two long. Leaves. — Ovate ; 
six to fifteen lines long ; rather thick. Flowers. — Magenta-colored ; 
one to three in a campanulate, calyx-like, five-toothed involucre. In- 
volucres nearly sessile. Perianth. — Six lines long ; open funnel-form ; 
five-lobed. Stamens. — Five. Anthers yellow. Ovary. — Globose ; one- 
celled. Style filiform. Stigma capitate. Hab. — Southern California and 
eastward. 

When the heat of the day is over and the morning-glories 
are folding together their faded chalices, the bright little four- 
o'clocks begin to open their myriad magenta-colored eyes upon 
the closing day, and they, together with the evening primroses, 
will keep the vigils of the night. These diaphanous little 
flowers, with their long stamens resting on the lower side of 
the perianth, are like diminutive azaleas. 

They are very puzzling, and the part that baffles the young 
botanist is the calyx, which, as it sometimes has two or three 
corollas within it, cannot be considered a calyx at all, but must 
be called an involucre. In reality the corolla is absent, and the 
calyx, which is colored like a corolla, is called a perianth. This 
appears to sit upon the top of the round ovary, but in reality a 
green continuation of it is drawn down tightly over the ovary. 



214 




CALIFORNIA FOUR-O'CLOCK— Mirabilis Cal 



ifornica. 



PINK 

BEACH MORNING-GLORY. 

Convolvulus Soldanclla, L. Morning-Glory Family. 

Stems. — A foot or less long ; trailing. Leaves. — Kidney-shaped ; long- 
petioled ; leathery ; an inch or two broad. Flowers. — Pink to lavender ; 
one to nearly three inches across, with a pair of thin bracts just below 
the calyx, partly enveloping it. (Otherwise as C. luteolus.) Hab. — 
The seashore from Puget Sound to San Diego. 

The beach morning-glory trails its stems over the shifting- 
sands of the seashore, making clusters of beautiful foliage, over 
which the large, delicate flowers raise their exquisite satin 
funnels. 

CALYPSO. 
Calypso borealls, Salisb. Orchis. Family. 

Bulb. — Small ; solid. Stem. — Three to six inches high. Leaf. — An 
inch or two long. Sepals and petals light to deep rose-color ; six to 
nine lines long. Lip. — Brownish pink, mottled with purple. Style. — 
Petaloid, oval, and concave, bearing the hemispherical anther on its 
summit underneath. Hab. — The northern Coast Ranges ; also across 
the continent. 

It has never been my good fortune to find this rare and 
exquisite little orchid, but beautiful specimens have been sent 
from the redwoods of Sonoma County and from Oregon. The 
books speak of it as growing in bogs ; but I am told by those 
who gathered them that the little plants sit lightly upon the 
layer of needles that carpet the forest-floor. The roots scarcely 
penetrate the. soil, so that the plants are easily disengaged 
without digging. 

Nature produced a perfect work when she fashioned this 
little plant, so simple, so charming in every way, with its one 
dainty leaf and one unique blossom. The form of the column 
is peculiarly interesting, being that of a curving concave petal, 
bearing the anther, in the shape of a hollow hemisphere, on 
its upper edge. 

THE PRIDE OF CALIFORNIA. 

Lathyrus splendens, Kell. Pea Family. 

Stem. — Climbing ; six to ten feet. Leaflets. — About eight ; scattered ; 
very variable ; linear to lanceolate or oblong ; acute ; mucronate ; strong- 
ly three- to five-nerved. Tendrils. — Two- to five-parted. Stipules. — 

216 




CALYPSO — Calypso borealis. 



PINK 

Small; semi-sagittate. Peduncles. — Stout; usually seven- to ten- 
flowered. Flowers. — Very large ; brilliant crimson. Calyx. — Five- 
toothed ; eighteen-nerved. Standard and keel. — An inch or more long. 
Pods. — Three inches long; smooth; compressed; ten- to twenty-seeded. 
Hab. — Parts of San Diego County, and southward. 

Clambering over our wild shrubs, this wonderful pea gives 
them the appearance of being loaded with a magnificence 
of bloom quite unwonted. The blossoms are the richest and 
most gorgeous of crimsons throughout, and have such a superb 
air that it is difficult to believe they are not the product of 
centuries of careful selection by the gardener. The long 
standard turns back over the stem, continuing the gracefully 
outlined keel in a long compound curve. The blossoms hang 
from the stem in charming abandon, like a flock of graceful 
tropic-birds poising upon the wing before taking flight, or like 
a fleet of gayly decked pleasure-barges, with canopies thrown 
back, fit for the conveyance of a Cleopatra. 

WILD PORTULACA. 

Calandrinia caulescens, HBK. ; var. Menziesii, Gray. Purslane Family. 

Decumbent, branching herbs, mostly smooth. Leaves. — Alternate ; 
linear to oblanceolate ; one to three inches long. Flowers. — In loose 
racemes ; rose-color or magenta ; about an inch across. Sepals. — Two ; 
keeled. Petals. — Mostly five. Stamens. — Four to eleven. Ovary. — One- 
celled. Style slender. Stigma three-cleft. Seeds black, shining, lens- 
shaped. Hab. — From Lower California to Vancouver Island. 

The wild portulaca is very abundant, and in seasons favor- 
able to its development is a very noticeable little plant. Its 
succulent stems have a spreading habit and bear many satiny 
flowers of a deep purplish-pink, which open in the bright sun- 
shine. The petals, which are veined with a slightly darker 
color, become white toward the center, and the little anthers 
are full of orange-colored pollen. These blossoms have a deli- 
cate, somewhat musky perfume. 

Cattle are fond of the herbage, and the plants are considered 
excellent as pot-herbs and for salads. The seeds, which are a 
favorite food of the wild doves, are very pretty, being lens- 
shaped, black, and shining, with a granular surface. 

218 




WILD PORTULACA—Calandrinia caulescet 



PINK 

FLOWERING CURRANT. INCENSE-SHRUB. 

Ribes glutinosum, Benth. Saxifrage Family. 

Shrubs six to fifteen feet high. Leaves. — Three- to nve-lobed; glu- 
tinous when young; one to one and one half inches broad. Flowers. — 
Rose-pink to pale pink ; in long drooping racemes. Calyx. — Petaloid ; 
five-lobed. Petals and stamens. — Five on the calyx. Ovary. — One-celled. 
Styles two; more or less united. Berries. — Blue, with a dense bloom; 
glandular-hispid. Syn. — Ribes sanguineum, Pursh., var. glutinosum, 
Brew, and Wats. Hab. — The Coast Ranges ; more common southward. 

In early winter in the south, and somewhat later northward, 
the wild currant becomes a thing of beauty hardly to have 
been expected. The young foliage, of a clear brilliant green, 
is gayly decked with the long clusters of peculiarly fresh pink 
blossoms, which seem like the very incarnation of the spirit of 
Spring, producing a certain cblouissement, which quickens our 
sense into an anticipation of beauty on every side. 

We are made aware of a strong, heavy fragrance ema- 
nating from this shrub, for which its numerous glands are 
responsible, and which has gained for it the popular name of 
"incense-shrub" in some localities. 

The fruit, which ripens toward fall, is dry and bitter, or 
insipid. 

The genus Ribes includes the currant and the gooseberry, 
and furnishes us with several charming shrubs in California. 

WILD GERANIUM. 

Geranium incisum, Nutt. Geranium Family. 

Stems. — A foot or two high ; branching loosely ; hairy and glandular- 
pubescent, with enlarged joints. Leaves. — Two to five inches broad; 
palmately cut, nearly to the base, into five to seven narrow segments. 
Flozvers. — Rose-pink ; over an inch across. Sepals. — Five ; five or six 
lines long. Petals. — Five ; roundish. Stamens. — Ten ; in two sets. Car- 
pels. — Five. Styles. — Five ; united almost to their summits around a 
central axis, and at maturity separating elastically from it, with their 
respective carpels, forming coils or tails. Hab. — Yosemite Valley and 
northward in the Sierras. 

The pretty blossoms of the wild geranium grow abundantly 
in the rich soil of the valley floor in the Yosemite, and are sure 
to attract the attention of the passer-by. 

220 




FLOWERING CURRANT— Ribes glulinc 



PINK 

They share with the erodiums the curious form of the seed- 
vessels, which when immature resemble long-billed cranes or 
storks. Hence the generic name, which comes from the Greek 
word meaning a crane. 

GROUND-PINK. FRINGED GILIA. 

Cilia dianthoidcs, Endl. Phlox or Polemonium Family. 

One to six inches high. Leaves. — Six lines or so long; linear to 
filiform. Flowers. — Rose or lilac, blending inward to white, with 
darker color or yellow in the throat. Calyx. — Five-cleft. Corolla. — 
Nine to twelve lines across; fringed. (See Gilia.) Hab. — From Santa 
Barbara to San Diego. 

In March our southern meadows and hill-slopes are all 
aglow with the lovely flowers of this charming little Gilia. 
The plants are tiny, often no more than an inch high, but are 
ambitious out of all proportion to their size, covering them- 
selves with blossoms exquisitely delicate in texture, form, and 
coloring, which literally carpet the earth with an overlapping 
mosaic. 

It is a wonderful thought that upon every one of these 
countless millions of little flowers that clothe the fields Nature 
has bestowed such care that each is a masterpiece in itself. 

COMMON FLEABANE. 

Erigeron Philadelphiciis, L. Composite Family. 

Hairy, perennial herbs. Stems. — One to three feet high ; leafy to 
the top. Root-leaves. — Spatulate or obovate. Stem-leaves. — Oblong; 
sessile, with broad clasping base ; irregularly toothed. Flower-heads. — 
In a loose corymb. Disks. — Yellow ; three or four lines across. Rays. 
— Innumerable ; very narrow ; flesh-color to rose-purple ; about three 
lines long. Hab. — Widely distributed on the Pacific and Atlantic 
coasts. 

The feathery, daisy-like flowers of the common fleabane are 
of frequent occurrence in moist meadows or along the road- 
sides in spring. The ray-flowers are so narrow as to form a 
delicate fringe around the disk. 

The common name arose from the belief that these plants 
were harmful to fleas. 




FRINGED GILIA— Gilia dianthoides. 



PINK 

TURKISH RUGGING. 

Chorlzanthe staticoides, Benth. Buckwheat Family. 

A foot high or more, with widely spreading branches. Leaves. — 
All radical ; oblong ; obtuse ; twelve to thirty lines long, including 
petioles. Involucres. — Loosely clustered ; sessile ; one-flowered ; cam- 
panulate ; with six bristle-like teeth. Perianth. — Pink; two lines long; 
six-lobed ; not fringed. Stamens. — Mostly nine ; on the perianth. Ovary. 
— One-celled. Styles three. Stigmas capitate. Hab. — From Monterey 
to San Diego. 

In late spring the dry, open hills of the south are over- 
run with the soft lavender of the chorizanthe. The flowers are 
small, but the whole plant is purplish, and the stems are quite 
as productive of color as the blossoms. In fact, the whole 
plant seems to consist of a scraggly interlacement of slender 
branches and small flowers, as the leaves, which nestle close to 
the ground, are not very noticeable. 

CANCHALAGUA. CALIFORNIA CENTAURY. 

Erythrcea venusta, Gray. Gentian Family. 

Six inches to two feet high. Leaves. — Six to twelve lines long; pale 
apple-green. Calyx. — Usually five-parted. Corolla. — Bright pink, with 
yellow or white center ; an inch or so across. Stamens. — Five ; anthers 
spirally twisted after shedding the pollen. Ovary. — One-celled. Style 
slender. Stigmas two. Hab. — From Plumas County southward; more 
abundant southward. 

Just as our attention has been called afresh to the fields by 
the sudden appearance of the "golden stars," or bloomeria, 
in late spring, we find, as we stoop to gather them, a charming 
pink flower nestling close to the earth amid the grasses. 
Though low of stature, these firstlings of the season atone for 
it by brilliancy of color, and their pink blossoms have a pecul- 
iarly clean, fresh, wide-awake appearance, reminding one of a 
rosy-faced country wench. 

While enjoying their bright beauty, we do not for a 
moment suspect that we are paying homage to the famous 
"canchalagua" of the Spanish-Californians. No well-regulated 
household among these people is without bundles of these 
herbs strung upon the rafters — for they are considered by them 

224 




CANCHALAGUA — Erythraa venusta. 



PINK 

an indispensable remedy for fevers; also, an excellent bitter 
tonic, and are said to possess rare antiseptic properties. These 
little plants are very abundant in and near the Yosemite Valley, 
where they make bright beds of color in midsummer. 

FALSE MALLOW. 

Malvastrum Thurberi, Gray. Mallow Family. 

Shrubby at base ; three to fifteen feet high ; densely tomentose. 
Leaves. — An inch or two across ; thick. Flowers. — Clustered in the 
axils of the leaves ; or in an interrupted naked spike. Calyx.— Five- 
lobed; with one to three bractlets. Petals. — Five, about six lines long; 
rose-purple. Stamens. — United in a column. Ovaries. — Numerous; 
united in a ring. Styles united at base. Stigmas capitate. Hab. — 
The southern Coast Ranges and islands of the Coast. 

Upon the mesas of the south we often see a shrubby mem- 
ber of the Mallow family, with long, wandlike branches orna- 
mented with closely set, pink flowers, of delicate texture and 
pleasant perfume. This is the false mallow. It is a very hand- 
some and noticeable shrub when in full bloom. The anthers 
are golden brown, and the stigmas are spherical instead of 
filiform. Upon the seashore it blooms much earlier than in 
the valleys inland. 

MESEMBRYANTHEMUM. FIG-MARIGOLD. 

Mesembryanthemum cequilaterale, Haworth. Fig-marigold Family. 

Succulent plants. Stems. — Elongating; forming large mats. Leaves. 
— Opposite ; sessile ; fleshy ; three-angled ; two inches or more long ; 
oblong. Flowers. — Terminal; solitary; fifteen lines to two inches 
across; pink. Calyx. — With top-shaped tube and live-lobed border. 
Petals. — Very numerous; linear. Stamens. — Innumerable. Ovary. — • 
Four- to twenty-celled. Stigmas six to ten. Hab. — The Coast, from 
Point Reyes southward. 

The fig-marigold is a very common plant upon our sea- 
shore. It seems to flourish best toward the south, where it 
covers large tracts of sand with its succulent foliage, making 
mats of pleasant verdure in otherwise sandy wastes. Its stems 
often trail many yards down the cliffs, making beautiful natu- 
ral draperies, decked with myriads of the pink blossoms. 
Because it is capable of withstanding the drouth in the most 

226 




FALSE MALLOW — Malvastrum Thurberi. 



PINK 

remarkable manner, it has been planted to produce verdure 
where irrigation is impossible. The very numerous slender 
petals give the flower the appearance at first sight of a com- 
posita. The fruit is pulpy and full of very small seeds, like 
the fig, and has a suggestion of the flavor of the Isabella grape. 
Many species of M csembryanthemum are cultivated in our 
gardens, mostly as border-plants. The genus is a large one, 
most of the species being native of southern Africa, and it is 
supposed that the three species now common upon our Coast 
were introduced in the remote past without the agency of man. 

SMALL GILIA. 

Gilia androsacea, Steud. Phlox or Polemonium Family. 

Stems. — Three to twelve inches high ; erect ; spreading. Leaves. — 
Opposite ; sessile ; palmately five- to seven-parted ; seemingly whorled. 
Flowers. — In terminal clusters. Corolla. — Salver-shaped ; rose-pink, 
lilac, or white, with a yellow or dark throat ; its tube filiform, about an 
inch long; limb eight to ten lines across. Filaments and style slender; 
exserted. (See Gilia.) Hab. — Throughout the western part of the 
State ; into the Sierra foothills. 

The delicate flowers of this little plant may be found nes- 
tling amid the grasses of dry hill-slopes in late spring, often 
making charming bits of color. It is usually rather a low 
plant, but in specially favorable situations it rises to a foot in 
height. Its fragile flowers vary from pure white to lilac and a 
lovely rose-pink, and look like small phloxes. 

BROWNIES. 

Mimulus Douglasii, Gray. Figwort Family. 

Flowering at half an inch high ; later becoming a span high. Leaves. 
— Ovate or oblong ; three- to five-nerved at base ; narrowed into a 
short petiole. Flowers. — Rich maroon, with deeper color in the throat 
and some yellow below. Calyx. — Five-toothed. Corolla. — An inch 
to eighteen lines long; with dilated throat. Lower lip much shorter 
than the ample, erect, upper one; sometimes almost wanting. (See 
Mimulus.) Hab. — Throughout California. 

This little mimulus is quite common upon gravelly or 
stony hills. Its pert little maroon flowers, with their very 
long tubes and erect lobes, so ridiculously out of proportion 

228 




SMALL GILIA— GtVia androsat 



PINK 

to the size of the tiny plant, give it the look of some very 
important small personage. 

BITTER-ROOT. SPAT'LUM. TOBACCO-ROOT. 

Lewisia rediviva, Pursh. Purslane Family. 

Root. — Very thick. Leaves. — Clustered; linear-oblong; one or two 
inches long. Scapes. — One-flowered; one or two inches long; jointed 
in the middle, with a whorl of five to seven scarious bracts at the joint. 
Sepals. — Six to eight ; six to nine lines long ; scarious-margined. 
Petals. — Twelve to fifteen; rose-color, sometimes white; oblong; eight 
to sixteen lines long ; rotately spreading in sunshine. Stamens. — Forty 
or more. Ovary. — One-celled. Style three- to eight-parted nearly to 
the base. Hab. — The mountains of California, northward and eastward. 

Within our borders this little plant is not abundant, but 
must be sought upon mountain heights. Formerly it was sup- 
posed not to occur south of Mt. Diablo, but it has since been 
found in the mountains of the southern part of the State and 
at intermediate points. It is very abundant in Montana, where 
it has been adopted as the State flower. 

The plants are very small, being but an inch or two high, 
but the flowers are handsome and showy, and the delicate 
rose-colored corollas, which are often two inches across, are of 
an exquisite silken texture. The root is remarkably large and 
thick for so small a plant, and it contains a nutritious, farina- 
ceous matter, much esteemed by the Indians for food. Among 
them it is known as "spat'lum," and they gather large quan- 
tities of it, which they store in bags for future use. 

This was the "racine-amere," or "bitter-root," of the early 
French settlers. It is also known as "tobacco-root," because 
when boiled it has a tobacco-like odor. 

The specific name, rediviva, was bestowed because of the 
wonderful vitality of these plants. It is known upon good 
authority that specimens which had been drying for two years 
in an herbarium continued to produce leaves, and at last, when 
taken out and planted, went on growing and blossomed ! 

This genus is an exception to the other members of the 
Purslane family, in having more than two sepals. 

230 



PINK 



SPINELESS TUNA. 

Opuntia basilaris, var. ramosa, Parish. Cactus Family. 

Low ; spreading ; branching freely above. Joints. — Flat ; smooth ; 
without large spines, but with close tufts of minute bristles ; obovate or 
fan-shaped; five to eight inches long; nearly as wide at the top. Flow- 
ers. — Large ; brilliant rose-magenta ; two or three inches long. Fruit. — 
Dry; sub-globose. (Flower-structure as in O. Engelmanni.) Hab. — 
The southern deserts and San Bernardino Mountains. 

In the arid regions of the southern interior, this opuntia is 
a very common one, and its large, brilliant rose-magenta 
flowers attract the attention wherever seen. They are very 
tempting blossoms, and it is hard to resist them, even though 
we know the penalty will be the conversion of thumbs and 
fingers into pin-cushions for innumerable, minute, tormenting 
thorns. 

SNOW-BERRY. 

Symphoricarpus racemosus, Michx. Honeysuckle Family. 

Shrubs two to four feet high. Leaves. — Opposite ; short-petioled ; 
cuneate to oblong ; entire or lobed ; nine to eighteen lines long ; herba- 
ceous. Floivers. — Small ; mostly in terminal clusters. Calyx. — Adnate 
to the ovary; with five-toothed border. Corolla. — Campanulate; five- 
lobed; three lines long; waxen; pinkish; very hairy within. Stamens. — 
Five ; on the corolla. Ovary. — Four-celled. Berries. — Waxen-white ; 
six lines in diameter. Hab. — Widely distributed. 

In early winter the pure-white clusters of the snow-berry, 
on their almost leafless stems, make flecks of light through 
the dun woods. At this season of few woodland attractions, 
these berries, together with the trailing sprays of the fragrant 
yerba buena and the long graceful leaves of the iris, are about 
the only trophies to be obtained upon a walk. In early spring, 
when their slender twigs first begin to leaf out, these little 
shrubs are among the most delicate and airy of growing things, 
and make a tender veil of green through the shadowy wood- 
land. The blossoms, which arrive rather late, are inconspicuous. 



23 1 



PINK 

TREE-MALLOW. 

Lavatcra assurgentiUora, Kell. Mallow Family. 

Shrubs. — Six to fifteen feet high. Leaves. — Alternate; three to nine 
inches across. Flozvers. — Pink, veined with maroon. Calyx. — Five- 
cleft, with an involucel below, like a second calyx. Petals. — Twelve to 
eighteen lines long. Filaments. — Numerous ; united in a column. 
Styles. — Numerous; filiform. Carpels. — One-seeded, in a ring around 
an axis ; separating at maturity. Hab. — The islands off the Coast ; 
cultivated on the mainland north to Mendocino County. 

The lavateras are Old-World plants, with the exception 
of a few species which are natives of the islands of our south- 
ern coast. In the early days the Padres planted the above 
species (L. assurgentiUora) plentifully around the old Mis- 
sions, and thence it has spread and become spontaneous in 
many localities. It can be seen in San Francisco, planted as 
wind-break hedges about the market-gardens, where it thrives 
luxuriantly as long as it is protected from cattle. 

The leaves and twigs abound in mucilage, and are very 
fattening and nutritious food for sheep and cattle, who are 
very fond of it. 

WILD HONEYSUCKLE. 

Lonicera hispidula, Dougl. Honeysuckle Family. 

Woody ; climbing and twining. Leaves. — Opposite ; short-petioled ; 
oval ; pale ; one to three inches long ; the upper pairs uniting around 
the stem. Flozvers. — Pink ; in spikes of several whorls. Calyx. — ■ 
Minute ; growing to the ovary ; border five-toothed. Corolla. — Tubu- 
lar ; six lines to an inch long ; bilabiate ; the lips strongly revolute ; the 
upper four-lobed, the lower entire. Stamens. — Five ; much exserted. 
Ovary. — Two- or three-celled. Style slender. Stigma capitate. Ber- 
ries. — Scarlet ; translucent. Hab. — Throughout the State. 

In early summer the climbing honeysuckle with its pale 
foliage flings its long arms over neighboring trees and shrubs, 
showing glimpses here and there of small pinkish flowers. But 
it is far more noticeable in the fall, when its long pendulous 
branches are laden with the fine clusters of translucent, orange- 
red berries. It is quite variable and has many forms, which 
are all considered varieties of the one species. 

Another species — Lonicera conjugialis, Kellogg — grows in 

232 




TREE-MALLOW — Lavatera assitrgentiflot 



PINK 

the form of a very leafy shrub, and is found in the Sierras from 
Mariposa County northward. Its opposite ovate leaves are 
thin and pointed, and its small dark-red flowers are borne in 
pairs at the summit of a slender, wiry peduncle in the axils of 
the leaves. 

These little flowers are quite irregular, the upper lip of the 
corolla being four-notched and the ovaries of the pair are 
joined solidly together, whence it receives its specific name. 

PINK PAINT-BRUSH. ESCOBITA. 

Orthocarpus purpurascens, Benth. Figwort Family. 

Stems. — Six to twelve inches high. Leaves. — Variously parted into 
filiform divisions. Bracts. — About equaling the flowers ; tipped with 
crimson or pale pink. Corolla. — About an inch long; the lower lip 
only moderately inflated and three-saccate ; the upper long, hooked, 
bearded, crimson. Stigma. — Large. (See Orthocarpus.) Hab.— 
Widely distributed. 

The bright-magenta tufts of the pink paint-brush are often 
so abundant that they give the country a purplish hue for miles 
at a stretch. The Spanish-Californians have a pretty name for 
these blossoms, calling them "escobitas," meaning "little whisk- 
brooms." 

O. densiflorus, Benth., is a very similar species; but its 
corolla has a straight upper lip, without hairs. This is com- 
monly known as "owl's clover." 

CLARKIA. 

Clarkia elegans, Dougl. Evening-Primrose Family. 

Stems. — One to six feet high ; simple or branching. Leaves. — Alter- 
nate ; broadly ovate to linear ; dentate ; an inch or more long. Petals. 
— About nine lines long; with long, slender claws and rhomboidal 
blades; pink. Stamens. — Eight; all perfect. Filaments with a hairy 
scale at base. Stigma. — Four-lobed. Capsule. — Six to nine lines long ; 
sessile. (Otherwise as C. concinna.) Hab. — Widely distributed. 

This plant is a very common one along our dusty roadsides 
in early summer, and it shows a facility in adapting itself to 
quite a range of climate and condition. It grows from six 
inches to six feet high, is nearly smooth or quite hairy, and 

234 




PINK PAINT-BRUSH— Orthocarpus purpurascen 



PINK 

has rather large flowers or quite small ones. Its scarlet sta- 
mens, purple-pink petals, and often deeper purple sepals make 
an odd combination of color. It often grows in showy masses, 
making patches of glowing color under the shade of trees. 

CHAPARRAL PEA. 

Xylothermia montana, (Nutt.) Greene. Pea Family. 

Evergreen, much branched, spiny shrubs, four to seven feet high. 
Leaves. — With from one to three leaflets. Leaflets. — Three to nine 
lines long. Flowers. — Magenta-colored ; solitary ; nearly sessile ; seven 
to nine lines long; papilionaceous. Stamens. — All ten distinct. Pod. — 
One-celled ; two inches long. Syn. — Pickeringia montana, Nutt. Hab. 
— The Coast Ranges, from Lake County to San Diego. 

Upon wild mountain-slopes where are heard the flutelike 
notes of a certain shy bird that rarely comes near habitations, 
the chaparral pea often makes dense, impenetrable thickets. 
It would be impossible to mistake it for any other shrub, with 
its solitary magenta-colored pea-blossoms, which often cover 
the bushes with a mass of color. Its green branchlets terminate 
in long, rigid spines, which are often clothed with small leaves 
nearly to the end. 

Woe to him who tries to penetrate the chaparral when it is 
composed of this formidable and uncompromising shrub ! The 
result is quite likely to be a humiliating progress upon hands 
and knees before he can extricate himself, probably with torn 
garments and scratched visage. 

HEDGE-NETTLE. 

Stachys bullata, Benth. Mint Family. 

Rough, pubescent herbs. Stem. — Ten to eighteen inches high; four- 
angled. Leaves. — Opposite; ovate or ovate-oblong; cordate; coarsely 
crenate ; wrinkly veined ; petioled ; an inch or two long. Flowers. — 
Pinkish ; in a narrow, interrupted spike. Calyx. — Five-cleft. Corolla. — 
Eight lines long; bilabiate. Upper lip erect; lower deflexed, of three 
unequal lobes, spotted with purple. Stamens. — Four. Filaments hairy. 
Anthers divergently two-celled. Ovary. — Of four seedlike nutlets. 
Style filiform. Stigma two-cleft. Hab. — Throughout the State. 

The hedge-nettles are common weeds, of which we have 
several species. 5\ bullata, so called on account of its leaves. 

236 




CHAPARRAL PEA — Xylothermia montana. 



PINK 

which look as though blistered, is the most wide-spread. It is 
quite variable in aspect, and we are constantly meeting it in 
new guises and being deceived into believing it something finer 
than it really is, through some subtle change in its usually 
homely little pink flowers. 

TWINING HYACINTH, OR TWINING BRODIiEA. 

Brodicea volubilis, Baker. Lily Family. 

Coated corm about one inch in diameter. Leaves. — All radical ; 
broadly linear; a foot or more long. Scape. — Twining; two to even 
twelve feet long; naked. Umbel. — Many-flowered. Perianth. — Five to 
eight lines long; rose-color without, whitish within. Stamens. — Three; 
alternating with three notched staminodia. Filaments winged; very 
short. Ovary. — Three-celled. Style short. Stigma capitate. Syn. — 
Stropholirion Californicum, Torr. Hab. — Sierra foothills, from Mari- 
posa County northward. 

In this plant we see the brodisea disporting itself in a very 
odd manner, having vinelike aspirations. It produces several 
long leaves, which lie prostrate upon the ground, and then the 
stem puts in its appearance and commences a wonderful series 
of evolutions not to be outdone by any contortionist. It twists 
and clambers and climbs, reaching a height of five or six feet, 
often having expended twice that amount of stem in its con- 
volutions. 

During this remarkable process, which consumes from two 
to four weeks', the terminal bud has remained dormant. But 
it now commences to grow, and in a couple of weeks the 
flower-cluster is complete in all its beauty. It is sometimes six 
inches across. 

It often happens that before the flower has blossomed the 
stem is broken off at the ground. Strangely enough, this 
seems not to matter at all, for it grows on and perfects its 
flowers just as though nothing had occurred. People often 
bring the stem indoors and allow it to climb up over the cur- 
tains, where they can watch the interesting process of its 
growth. These plants are quite abundant along the stage routes 
to the Yosemite Valley. 

238 




TWINING BRODkEA— Brodiaa volubilis. 



PINK 

CALIFORNIA ROSE-BAY. 

Rhododendron Californicum, Hook. Heath Family. 

Evergreen shrubs three to fifteen feet high. Leaves. — Four to six 
inches long ; leathery. Flowers. — Rose-pink ; in large clusters. Calyx. 
— Small ; with rounded lobes. Corolla. — Broadly campanulate ; two 
inches or so across ; slightly irregular ; with wavy-margined lobes ; the 
upper spotted within. Stamens. — About equaling the corolla. Style 
crimson. Stigma funnel-form. (Otherwise as R. occidental.) Hab. 
— From British Columbia to Marin County. 

In our northern counties the rugged mountain-sides are 
often densely covered with the lovely rose-bay, which in early 
summer presents an appearance it would be impossible to rival. 
When the foliage, which is very rich in both quality and hue. 
is thickly massed with the great glowing flower-clusters, the 
sight is worth a pilgrimage to see. It is a shrub so beautiful, 
we marvel it is not generally cultivated in gardens. 

The bees are very fond of the blossoms, but popular tradi- 
tion ascribes a poisonous quality to the honey made from them. 

We have noticed no perfume in these flowers, but the 
leaves are often quite pleasantly fragrant. 

COMMON WILD ROSE. 

Rosa Calif ornica, Cham, and Schlecht. Rose Family. 

Erect shrubs three to eight feet high. Prickles few; stout; recurved; 
mostly in pairs beneath the entire stipules. Leaves. — Alternate; pin- 
nate; with five to seven leaflets. Leaflets. — Ovate or oblong; serrate. 
Flowers. — Few to many in clusters ; pale-pink. Calyx. — With urn- 
shaped tube and five-cleft border, whose lobes are foliaceously tipped. 
Petals. — Five; six to nine lines long. Stamens. — Very numerous. 
Ovaries. — Several ; bony ; in, but free from, the calyx-tube. Hips. — 
Many; four or five lines through. Hab. — From San Diego to Oregon. 

The wild rose is one of the few flowers that blooms cheer- 
fully through the long' summer days, lavishing its beautiful 
clusters of deliciously fragrant flowers as freely along the dusty 
roadside as in the more secluded thicket. In autumn it often 
seems inspired to a special luxuriance of blossoming, and it 
lingers to greet the asters and mingle its pink flowers and 
brilliant scarlet hips with their delicate lilacs. 

R. gymnocarpcij Nutt., "the redwood-rose," is exquisitely 

240 




CALIFORNIA ROSE-BAY— Rhododendron California^ 



PINK 

dainty. This is found in shady places under the trees. It 
blooms earlier than the common species, and is neither so 
abundant nor so fragrant. Its flowers are barely an inch 
across and of a bright pink. The prickles are straight, and 
the calyx-lobes are without leafy tips, while the leaflets are 
small and shapely. 

BEAUTIFUL CLARKIA. 

Clarkia concinna (F. and M.), Greene. Evening- Primrose Family. 

Stems. — Several inches to two feet high. Leaves. — One or two inches 
long. Flowers. — Axillary ; sessile ; parts in fours. Calyx. — Red-pink ; 
tube an inch or more long. Petals. — Rose-pink ; six lines to over an 
inch long. Ovary. — Four-celled. Syn. — Encharidium concinnum, Fisch. 
and Mey. Hab. — The Coast Ranges, from Santa Barbara to Mendocino 
County. 

In June these charming blossoms may be found in the com- 
pany of the maidenhair fern fringing the banks of shady roads, 
or standing in glowing masses under the buckeye-trees. In 
them Nature has ventured upon one of those rather daring 
color combinations of which we would have hardly dreamed, 
and the result is delightful. The petals are bright rose-pink, 
while the sepals are of a red pink. 

SPREADING DOGBANE. 

Apocynum androscemifolium, L. Dogbane Family. 

Erect ; one to' three feet high ; spreading. Leaves. — Opposite ; short- 
petioled ; ovate or roundish ; an inch or two long. Flowers. — Clus- 
tered ; pink. Calyx. — Five-cleft. Corolla. — Campanulate ; three or four 
lines long ; with five revolute lobes ; having a small scale at base, oppo- 
site each lobe. Stamens. — Five ; on the corolla. Filaments short. 
Anthers erect around the stigma. Style none. Ovaries. — Two; becom- 
ing a pair of long pods.' Seeds silky-tufted. Hab. — Widely distributed 
in the United States. : 

The small pink flowers of the spreading dogbane may be 
found all through the summer, often upon our driest hillsides. 
The shapely little blossoms are of a flesh-tint without, richly 
veined with deeper pink within, and quite fragrant. The plants 
have a milky juice and a tough fiber in the stem, similar to 
that in the American-Indian hemp. The plant was formerly 

242 




BEAUTIFUL CLARKTA—CIarkia concv 



PINK 

supposed to be poisonous to dogs, from which fact it received 
its generic name, which translated gives the common English 
name "dogbane." It is used in medicine as a remedy for 
rheumatic gout. The very long pods seem absurdly out of 
proportion to the small flowers. 

A. cannabinum, L., the American-Indian hemp, is also found 
within our borders, but it grows along stream-banks and in 
marshy places. It has oblong, pointed leaves, and small 
greenish-white flowers, only two lines long, whose close cylin- 
drical corollas hardly surpass the calyx. The yellowish-brown 
bark of this plant is very tough and fibrous, and at the same 
time soft and silky. Our Indians have always found it of the 
utmost value in the making of ropes, lariats, nets, mats, baskets, 
etc., and before the coming of the white man they even made 
certain articles of clothing of it. A tincture made from the 
root is a recognized drug in the pharmacopoeia. Professor 
Thouin, of Paris, says that a permanent dye may be obtained 
from a decoction of it, which is brown or black, according to 
the mordant used. 

FIRECRACKER FLOWER. 

Brodicea coccinea, Gray. Lily Family. 

Leaves. — Grasslike, a foot or two long. Scape. — One to three feet 
high ; six- to fifteen-flowered. Perianth. — An inch or two long ; rich 
crimson; the limb of six green or yellowish oblong lobes. Stamens. — 
Three ; on the perianth. Filaments adnate to its tube. Anther tips 
exserted. Staminodia. — Three; broad; short; white; on the throat of 
the perianth, alternating with the stamens. Ovary. — Three-celled. 
Style exserted. Stigma three-lobed. Syn. — Brevoortia coccinea, Wats. 
Hab. — The mountains from Mendocino County to Shasta County. 

When our northern valleys have become parched by the 
first heat of summer, many beautiful flowers are still to be 
found in deep canon retreats, where the streams, overarched 
by great shadowing oaks, gush downward through leafy copses 
of hazelwood and thimble-berry by beds of moss and fern. 
Upon the walls of such charming gorges the firecracker flower 
rears its slender stem and shakes out its bunch of brilliant crim 

244 




FIRECRACKER FLOWER — Brodicca coccinea. 



PINK 

son blossoms. These are a prophetic symbol of our national 
holiday rather than an aid to its celebration — for they have 
often passed away before the Fourth of July. 

GODETIA. FAREWELL TO SPRING. 
HERALD OF SUMMER. 

Godetia amcena, Lilja. Evening-Primrose Family. 

Stems. — One to three feet high ; sometimes stout. Leaves. — Linear 
to linear-lanceolate; entire; an inch or two long; distant. Flowers. — 
Often nodding in the bud. Calyx-tube. — Two to four lines long. Pet- 
als. — Deep rose-color, sometimes yellowish at base with a dark spot ; 
nine to fifteen lines long. Capsules. — Smoothish ; eight to eighteen lines 
long; its sides two-ribbed; sessile or short-pediceled. (See Godetia.) 
Hab. — From the Columbia River southward to Ventura. 

In early summer the rosy flowers of this godetia make 
bright masses of color along dry banks and hill-slopes. Its 
blossoms are very variable as to marking. Sometimes the 
petals have a bright crimson blotch at the base and sometimes 
they are without it, both forms often occurring upon the same 
plant. In some seasons all the flowers are without the blotch. 

G. grandiflora, Lindl., found in Humboldt and Mendocino 
counties, is probably the most showy species we have. The 
plants are a foot or two high and covered all over with the 
wonderful flowers, which are often four inches across. These 
are delicate pink, blotched with rich crimson. 

G. Bottcc, Spach., is an exquisite species found in the Coast 
Ranges, from Monterey to San Diego. Its very slender stems 
lift the fragile, satiny cups above the dried grasses in charming 
companies. These blossoms also vary much. Among the 
prettiest forms is one which is pale rose or lilac, blending to 
white at the center, delicately striate with purple-dotted lines, 
and having a rich purple spot in the center. This often grows 
with the lilac butterfly-tulip, Calochortus splendens, and at a 
little distance is so similar it is difficult to distinguish it from 
the lily. But the lily rarely or never grows in throngs. The 
capsules of this species have pedicels from three to nine lines 
long. 

246 




FAREWELL TO SPRING— Godetia amacna. 



PINK 

BLEEDING-HEART. 

Dicentra formosa, DC. Bleeding-heart Family. 

Leaves. — Ternately dissected, with toothed leaflets. Scapes. — Six 
inches to two feet high. Flowers. — Rose-colored to pale pink, some- 
times almost white or yellowish; nodding. (Floral structure as in D. 
chrysantha.) Hab. — The Coast Ranges and Sierras, from middle Cali- 
fornia to British Columbia. 

The bleeding-heart is a rather shy flower, and never makes 
itself common enough to dull our enthusiasm for it. It fully 
merits its specific name, for it is a plant of elegant form 
throughout, from its shapely divided leaves to its graceful clus- 
ters of pendent hearts. It is found in the woods of our Coast 
Ranges, but may be seen to best advantage when nestling amid 
the lush grasses of Sierra meadows. 

INDIAN RHUBARB. UMBRELLA-PLANT. 

Peltiphyllum peltatum, Engler. Saxifrage Family. 

Rootstock. — Thick; creeping. Leaves. — Radical; long-petioled ; a foot 
or more across when mature ; nine- to fourteen-lobed ; centrally de- 
pressed. Scapes. — One to three feet high. Calyx. — Five-lobed. Petals. 
— Five; roundish; three lines or more long; purplish-pink. Stamens. — 
Ten. Ovaries. — Two ; distinct. Stigmas capitate or reniform. 53';/. — 
Saxifraga peltata, Torr. Hab. — The Sierras, from Mariposa County 
to Mt. Shasta ; also Mendocino County. 

Upon the borders of our swift-flowing mountain streams, 
where the water-ouzel flies up and down all day, sometimes 
filling the air with melody as he passes, may be seen the large 
lotus-like leaves of this great saxifrage. They stand with their 
dark, warm stems in the water; or, poising upon the brink, 
they lean gracefully over it, making myriad reflections in the 
brown depths below; while every passing breeze awakens a 
quick response among them. 

Early in the season, before the coming of the leaves, these 
plants send up tall stems with dense, branching clusters of 
handsome purplish-pink flowers. The leaves, small at first, 
continue to grow until late summer, when they have reached 
their perfection; after which they begin to deepen into the 
richest of autumn hues. 

248 




BLEEDING-HEART— Dicentra formosa. 



PINK 



This plant is commonly called " Indian rhubarb," because 
the Indians are extravagantly fond of the stalks of the leaves 
and flowers. It is now cultivated in Eastern gardens, where 
it thrives in artificial ponds. 



GREAT WILLOW-HERB. FIREWEED. 

Epilobium spicatum, Lam. Evening-Primrose Family. 

Stems. — Often four to seven feet high. Leaves. — Scattered ; willow- 
like. Flowers. — Purplish-pink ; an inch or more across. Calyx-tube. — 
Linear; limb four-parted; often colored. Stamens. — Eight. Anthers 
purplish. Ovary. — Four-celled. Seeds silky-tufted. Syn. — E. angusti- 
folium, L. Hob. — The Sierras; eastward to the Atlantic; also in the 
North Coast mountains. Found also in Europe and Asia. 

This plant has received one of its English names because 
its leaves are like those of the willow and its seeds are fur- 
nished with silken down, like the fluff on the willow. 

It is our finest and most showy species of epilobium, and is 
also found in the Eastern States, where it is still known by a 
former name — E. an gusti folium, L. Owing to the fact that 
it grows with special luxuriance in spots which have been 
recently burned over, it is commonly known as "fire weed." 
It may be found in perfection in the Sierras in August, where 
its great spikes of large pink flowers make showy masses of 
color along the streams and through the meadows, command- 
ing our warmest admiration. 

In the fall the tall, pliant, widely branching stems of the 
"autumn willow-herb" — E. panicnlatum, Nutt. — stand every- 
where by the roadside. The small pink flowers, half an inch 
across, terminate the almost leafless stems, and later are re- 
placed by the dry, curled remains of the opened capsules and 
the feathery down of the escaping seeds. 

COMMON CATCH-FLY. 

Silene Gallica, L. Pink Family. 

Hairy. Stems. — Generally several. Leaves. — Spatulate; six to eigh- 
teen lines long. Flowers. — In terminal, one-sided racemes ; four or five 
lines long; short-pediceled. Petals. — Pale rose-color or almost 

250 




GREAT WILLOW-HERB— Epilobium spicatum. 



PINK 

white; barely exceeding the calyx. (Flower structure as in S. Cali- 
fomica. ) 

This little weed has come to us from Europe, and it is now 
so widely distributed, both near the sea and inland, that it is 
hard to believe it is not native. The slender racemes are from 
two to four inches long, and the little flowers vary from white 
to pale pink. They can boast none of the showy beauty of 
their relatives, the Indian pink and the Yerba del Indio. 

ALPINE HEATHER. 

Bryanthus Breweri, Gray. Heath Family. 

Dwarf evergreens ; six inches to a foot high ; woody. Leaves. — 
Alternate ; linear ; three to seven lines long. Flozvers. — Purplish-rose ; 
on glandular pedicels. Calyx. — Five-toothed ; small. Corolla. — 
Saucer-shaped ; six lines or so across. Stamens. — Seven to ten. An- 
thers two-celled ; opening terminally. Ovary. — Five-celled. Style slen- 
der. Stigma capitate. Hab. — The high Sierras. 

This little plant, to which Mr. Muir fondly alludes in his 
charming book, "The Mountains of California," may be found 
blooming in July and August in the Sierras. Sometimes it 
nestles in rocky crevices in the cool drip of the snow-banks, 
and again it ventures boldly out into the openings, where it 
spreads its rich carpet, covered with a wealth of rosy bloom. 
From the abundance of this little heathling about its shores, 
one of our mountain lakes has received the name of "Heather 
Lake." 

PINK MONKEY-FLOWER. 
Mimulus Lewisii, Pursh. Figwort Family. 

Stems. — Slender ; eighteen inches or so high. Leaves. — Sessile ; 
oblong-ovate to lanceolate; denticulate; somewhat viscid. Peduncles. 
— Elongated. Corolla. — Eighteen lines to two inches long; with tube 
exceeding the calyx and five ample spreading ciliate lobes ; rose-color 
or paler, with usually a darker stripe down the center of each lobe. 
Ridges of lower lobe yellow and spotted; bearded. Stamens. — Included. 
(See Mimulus.) Hab. — The Sierras, from central California north- 
ward and eastward to Montana. 

One of the most beautiful of all our monkey-flowers is this 
charming species, which is found along the cold streams of the 

252 




ALPINE HEATHER— Bryanthus Brew, 



PINK 

Sierras. Its large flowers have a fragile, delicate look, and the 

light stems and leaves are of an exquisite green. 

I remember coming upon a delightful company of these 

blossoms, in a little emerald meadow upon the margin of one 

of those alpine lakelets which nestle among the granite crags. 

They seem the most fitting flowers for just such a high, pure 

atmosphere. 

ALPINE PHLOX. 

Phlox Douglasii, Hook. Phlox or Polemonium Family. 

Plants forming cushion-like tufts ; three or four inches high. Leaves. 
—Needle-like ; six lines or less long ; with shorter ones crowded in the 
axils. Flowers. — Pink, lilac, or white ; sessile ; terminating the branch- 
lets. Calyx. — Five-cleft. Corolla. — Salver-form ; with five-lobed bor- 
der. Stamens. — Five; on the tube of the corolla. Ovary. — Three- 
celled. Style three-lobed. Hab. — The Sierras, from Mariposa County 
northward and eastward. 

This delightful little phlox grows abundantly in the open 

forests of the Sierras at an altitude of from five to ten thousand 

feet. Its charming low mats are often over a foot in diameter, 

and sometimes cover the ground with their beautiful bloom. 

It also loves the open sunhsine of cool mountain heights, and 

with its cushiony tufts clothes many a bit of granite soil with 

beauty. There it seems undaunted by its stern surroundings 

and lifts its innocent eyes confidingly to the skies which bend 

gently over it — those skies 

"So fathomless and pure, as if 
All loveliest azure things have gone 
To heaven that way — the flowers, the sea, — 
And left their color there alone." 

PRIDE OF THE MOUNTAINS. 

Pentstcmon Menziesii, var. Nezuberryi, Gray. Figwort Family. 

Stems. — Six inches to a foot high ; woody at base. Leaves. — Ovate, 
obovate, or oblong ; an inch or less long ; leathery. Peduncles. — Usually 
one-flowered, forming a short, glandular-pubescent raceme. Corolla. 
— Bright rose-pink; an inch long. Anthers. — White-woolly; with di- 
vergent cells. (See Pentstemon.) Hab. — The high Sierras of central 
California. 

This charming pentstemon is one of the most gracious flow- 
ers to be found in the Sierras in late summer. Upon banks 

254 




ALPINE PHLOX— Phlox Douglasii. 



PINK 

overhanging the streams, or growing at great heights under 
the open sky, it makes many a rock-shelf gay with its brilliant 
pink blossoms. We wonder how it can possibly subsist upon 
the hard, glittering granite ; but there the mystery of its life 
continues from day to day, and there it cheerfully produces 
its masses of bright flowers, which gladden the weary climber 
to these snowy heights. 

This species of pentstemon is well marked by its white- 
woolly anthers, which almost fill the throat. Northward it 
passes into the typical P. Menziesii, which has flowers from 
violet-blue to pink-purple. 

SIERRA PRIMROSE. 

Primula suffrutescens, Gray. Primrose Family. 

Leaves. — Wedge-shaped, an inch or so long; clustered at the ends 
of the branches. Flower-stems. — Several inches high. Umbel several- 
flowered. Calyx. — Five-cleft. Corolla. — Salver-shaped ; an inch or less 
across; deep rose-color, with a yellow eye. Stamens. — High on the 
corolla-throat opposite its lobes. Ovary. — One-celled. Style slender. 
Hab. — The Sierras. 

If one takes his alpenstock in hand and climbs to the snow- 
line in late summer, he is apt to be rewarded by the charming 
flowers of the Sierra primrose. The little plants grow in the 
drip of the snow-banks, where the melting ice gradually liber- 
ates the tufts of evergreen leaves. The glowing flowers look 
as though they might have caught and held the last rosy reflec- 
tion of the sunset upon the snow above them. 

ALPINE WILLOW-HERB. ROCK-FRINGE. 

Epilobium obcor datum, Gray. Evening-Primrose Family. 

Stems. — Decumbent ; three to five inches long. Leaves. — Opposite ; 
ovate ; sessile ; four to ten lines long. Flozuers. — One to five ; bright 
rose-pink ; over an inch across. Calyx. — With linear tube and four- 
cleft limb. Petals. — Four; erect and spreading; obcordate. Stamens. 
— Eight; four shorter. Filaments slender; exserted. Ovary. — Linear, 
four-celled. Style filiform; much exserted. Stigma four-lobed. Seeds 
silky-tufted. Hab. — The Sierras, from Tulare County northward. 

Though low of stature, this little willow-herb is a charming 
plant, with large rosy flowers. At an elevation of eight thou- 

256 





SIERRA PRIMROSE — Primula suffrutescens. 



PINK 

sand feet or more in the mountains, it nestles amid the rocks, 
fringing their crevices with a profusion of brilliant bloom. 
Though it often costs a hard climb up rocky crags to secure it, 
we feel well repaid by its bright beauty. 

LESSINGIA. 

Lessingia leptoclada, Gray. Composite Family. 

Finely white-woolly. Stems. — From a few inches to two feet high, 
with numerous, almost filiform branchlets, bearing few or solitary heads 
of pink or white flowers. Lower leaves. — Spatulate ; sparingly toothed ; 
withering early. Upper leaves. — Lanceolate, or linear and entire ; ses- 
sile ; uppermost diminished into remote, subulate bracts. Heads. — Five- 
to twenty-flowered. Of tubular disk-flowers only. Outer flowers much 
larger. Involucre. — Silky hairy ; broadly campanulate ; with imbricated, 
appressed bracts. Hab. — Wide-spread. 

In late summer the pink lessingia is apparent along dry road- 
sides or embankments, where its blossoms make charming 
masses of soft color. It is quite abundant in the Yosemite, 
especially in the lower end of the valley. 

L. Germanorum, Cham., found plentifully from San Diego 
to San Francisco, has yellow flowers. 

ELEPHANTS' HEADS. 

Pedicidaris Groenlandica, Retz. Figwort Family. 

Stems. — Tall and slender; smooth. Leaves. — Alternate; lanceolate 
in outline ; pinnately parted into linear-lanceolate, serrate divisions ; 
diminishing upward into the flower-bracts. Flowers. — Pink; in a dense 
spike several inches long. Calyx. — Five-toothed. Corolla. — With short 
tube and bilabiate limb. Upper lip with a long beak, like an elephant's 
trunk ; lower three-lobed, deflexed. Stamens. — Four. Filaments and 
style filiform ; sheathed in the beak. Ovary. — Two-celled. Hab. — The 
Sierras, from King's River northward; and eastward to Hudson's Bay. 

No more curious flower could be found than this little deni- 
zen of our alpine meadows. Its tall pink spikes attract one 
from a distance, and astonish one upon nearer acquaintance by 
the wonderful resemblance of their blossoms to many small 
elephants' heads. The forehead, the long ears hanging at the 
sides of the head, and the long, slender, curving trunk are all 
perfectly simulated. These flowers have a pleasant perfume. 

255 




LESSINGIA — Lessingia leptoclada. 



PINK 

Another species — P. attollens, Gray — often found growing 
with the above, is similar to it in general structure, but its 
leaves are more dissected, its flower-spike is rather woolly, and 
its beak is only two or three lines long. These blossoms bear 
no resemblance to the elephant. 



SPANISH CLOVER. 

Hosackia Purshiana, Benth. Pea Family. 

Soft-woolly throughout. Stems. — Erect or loosely spreading over 
the ground. Leaves. — Sessile. Leaflets. — One to three; ovate to lan- 
ceolate ; three to nine lines long. Flowers. — Yellowish-pink ; solitary ; 
two or three lines long. Peduncles usually exceeding the leaves ; with 
a single leaflet below the flower. Calyx-teeth. — Linear ; much exceed- 
ing the tube, about equaling the corolla. Pod. — Narrow ; twelve to 
eighteen lines long; five- to seven-seeded. Hab. — Throughout the State. 

This little plant is very abundant and wide-spread. It makes 
its appearance after the drouth sets in, and often spreads over 
the ground in considerable patches. Its woolly or silky foliage 
has a pale cast, and its small, solitary, pinkish flowers, which 
are quite numerous, are not unattractive. 



260 



IV. BLUE AND PURPLE 

Blue or purple or occasionally or partially blue or purple 
flowers not described in the Blue and Purple Section. 

Described in the White Section: — 

Antirrhinum Coulterianum — Coulter's Snapdragon. 

Audibertia polystachya — White Sage. 

Calochortus luteus oculatus — Butterfly Tulip. 

Calochortus venustus — Mariposa Tulip. 

Cassiope Mertensiana — Cassiope. 

Ceanothus integerrimus — Mountain Birch; Tea-Tree; 

Soap-Bush. 
Eriodictyon Californicum — Yerba Santa. 
Eriodictyon tomentosum — Yerba Santa. 
Lathyrus vestitus — Common Wild Pea. 
Malacothrix saxatilis. 
Micromeria Douglasii — Yerba Buena. 
Raphanus sativus — Radish. 
Solanum Douglasii — Nightshade. 
Sphacele calycina — Pitcher-Sage. 
Viola Beckwithii — Mountain Heart's-ease. 

Described in the Yellow Section: — 
Anagallis arvensis — Pimpernel. 
Calochortus Weedii — Mariposa Lily, or Tulip. 

HOSACKIA CRASSIFOLIA. 

Described in the Pink Section: — 

Convolvulus soldanella — Beach Morning-glory. 

Dodecatheon Meadia — Shooting-Stars. 

Erigeron Philadelphicus — Common Fleabane. 

Gilia androsacea. 

Gilia Californica — Prickly Phlox. 

Gilia dianthoides — Ground Pink. 

Pentstemon Menziesii — Pride of the Mountains. 

Phlox Douglasii — Alpine Phlox. 

Described in the Red Section: — 

Aquilegia cerulea. 
Described in the Miscellaneous Section: — 

Darlingtonia Californica — California Pitcher-Plant. 

Dipsacus fullonum — Teasel. 
261 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

FETID ADDER'S-TONGUE. 

Scoliopus Bigelovii, Torr. Lily Family. 

Leaves. — Two ; oval-elliptical to narrowly oblanceolate ; four to fif- 
teen inches long ; blotched with brown. Flowers. — Three to twelve ; 
on lax pedicels three to nine inches long. Sepals. — Whitish, veined 
with purple ; spreading. Petals. — Erect ; narrowly linear ; wine-color 
without. Stamens. — Three. Ovary. — One-celled ; three-angled. Stig- 
ma three-lobed. Hab. — The Coast Ranges from Marin to Humboldt 
County. 

When the first white blossoms of the toothwort are making 
their appearance in moist woodlands, we may be sure that the 
fetid adders-tongue is already pushing its shining green leaves 
aboveground away up in the cold canons of north hill-slopes ; 
and unless we hasten, we shall be too late to see its curious 
flowers. I have often arrived only in time to find its fruit, 
which resembles a beechnut in shape. When the flowers first 
open they stand erect, held in the shining chalice formed by 
the two sheathing green leaves. Later the leaves open out, 
showing their beautiful blotched surfaces, and the three-angled 
flower-stems become limp and twisted. The petals stand erect, 
and are so slender as to resemble three linear stigmas. The 
little oval anthers are green before opening, but soon become 
golden with the discharging pollen. 

These flowers are elegant in appearance, and suggestive 
of orchids ; but unfortunately they have a very offensive odor, 
like that of the star-fishes found upon our beaches, which 
makes us quite content to leave them ungathered. But the 
large yellow slug has no such aversion to them, and we have 
often seen him banqueting upon them. Indeed, he is so fond 
of them that the flowers are often entirely gone from the stems. 

CALIFORNIA LILAC. SOAP-BUSH. 

Ceanothus divaricatus, Nutt. Buckthorn Family. 

Tall, almost arborescent shrubs; with very divergent and rigid 
branches. Twigs cylindrical ; smooth ; mostly very pale. Leaves. — 
Alternate; short-petioled ; ovate; four to ten lines long; three-nerved; 
somewhat leathery. Flowers. — In a narrowly oblong, dense cluster 
two or three inches long; pale blue to white. Capsule. — Two or three 

262 




FETID ADDER'S-TONGUE— Scoliopus Bigelovii 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

lines in diameter; not lobed; scarcely crested. (See Ccanothus.) Hab. 
— Chiefly the southern Coast Ranges. 

This species of California lilac is very abundant in the south, 
and is specially characterized by its widely branching habit 
and its round, pale-green twigs. The flowers are usually light 
blue ; but in some localities they are pure white. Near Santa 
Barbara, in January, the mountain-slopes are often snowy with 
them. 

Dr. Gregg, of San Diego, while hunting one day in Lower 
California, just over the border, had his attention called to the 
wild lilac by his old Mexican guide, who assured him that the 
blossoms in themselves were excellent soap. Taking a hand- 
ful of them down to the stream, he rubbed them vigorously 
between his wet hands, and found to his astonishment that they 
made an excellent lather, with a pleasant fragrance of winter- 
green. I have since proved the fact for myself. A more 
delightful way of performing one's ablutions can hardly be 
imagined than at the brookside with so charming a soap. It 
is very cleansing and leaves the skin pleasantly soft. 

It was probably the blossoms of C. integerrimus he used, as 
that shrub is called "soap-bush" in that region; but I have 
since tried the experiment upon C. divaricatus and some other 
species with perfect success, from which I suspect this may be 
a generic characteristic. 

HOUND'S-TONGUE. 

Cynoglossum grande, Dougl. Borage Family. 

Stem. — Two feet or so high. Leaves. — Alternate; long-petioled ; 
ovate-oblong; pointed; usually rounded at base; often a foot long. 
Flowers. — Bright blue; in a terminal panicle. Calyx. — Deeply five- 
cleft. Corolla, — Rotate; with short tube and five-lobed border; hav- 
ing five beadlike crests in the throat. Stamens. — Five ; on the corolla, 
alternate with its lobes. Ovary. — Four-lobed. Style undivided. Fruit. 
—Four prickly nutlets. Hab.— From Marin County to Washington. 

Among the first plants to respond to the quickening influ- 
ence of the early winter rains, is the hound's-tongue, whose 
large, pointed leaves begin to push their way aboveground 

264 




HOUND'S-TONGUE — Cynoglossum grande. 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

usually in January. At first these are often quite velvety 
beneath and of a pinkish hue, and hold hidden within their 
midst the well-formed buds which a few warm, sunny days 
will call forth. The flowers, at first pink, become bright blue 
after fertilization has taken place. 

The favorite haunts of this welcome blossom are half-shaded 
woods, where it rears its tall stalk in almost sole possession at 
this early season. 

The common name is a translation of the generic name, 
which is derived from two Greek words, signifying dog and 
tongue, bestowed because of the shape of the leaves. In the 
olden times a superstition was rife that if a person laid the 
hound's-tongue beneath his feet it would prevent dogs from 
barking at him. 

The distribution of the seed is most cunningly provided for, 
as the upper surfaces of the nutlets are covered with tiny 
barbs, which a magnifying-glass reveals to be quite perfect 
little anchors, admirably adapted for catching in the hair 
of animals. 

CALIFORNIA TRILLIUM. 

Trillium sessile, var. Calif ornicum, Wats. Lily Family. 

Rootstock. — Like a small turnip. Stems. — Usually several from the 
same root ; a foot or so high. Leaves. — Three at the top of the stem ; 
three to eight inches long. Flowers. — White to deep wine-color. Pet- 
als. — One to four inches long. (Otherwise as T. ovatum.) Hab. — 
From San Luis Obispo to Oregon. 

We begin to look for the California trillium early in the 
spring. Little companies of the plants may be seen upon low 
flats under the trees, where the soil is rich. The small, turnip- 
like tubers usually send up several stems, which lean gracefully 
away from one another. The large leaves are often like pieces 
of decorated china that have been several times through the 
kiln. They have various superimposed blotchings, the latest 
of which are dark, sharp, cuneiform characters, mysterious 
hieroglyphs of Nature, which might reveal wondrous secrets, 
could we but decipher them. The blossoms have a strong, 

266 




CALIFORNIA TRILLIUM— Trilliu 



m sessile, var. Calif omicum. 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

heavy fragrance, and are exceedingly variable in color, ranging 
from pure white to lilac, deep wine, and even black-purple. 
These plants are much admired in the East and in Europe, 
where they are cultivated in the garden. 

BRODLEA. CLUSTER-LILY. WILD HYACINTH. 

Brodicea capitata, Benth. Lily Family. 

Corm. — Small ; scaly-coated. Leaves. — Linear ; a foot or more long ; 
passing away early. Scapes. — Four inches to over two feet high. 
Flozvers. — Deep violet to white; six to ten lines long. Bracts. — Some- 
times deep, rich purple. Perianth. — With oblong tube and campanu- 
late, six-parted limb. .Stamens. — Six; on the corolla; the inner with 
an appendage on each side ; the outer naked. Ovary. — Three-celled. 
Style stout. Stigma three-lobed. Hab. — Throughout California. 

This beautiful brodisea grows all over the hills in early 
spring, and steals into cultivated fields, where it luxuriates in 
the freshly stirred soil and lifts its fine violet-colored clusters 
above the waving grain. It holds quite as warm a place in 
our affections as the more gorgeous poppy. These blossoms 
will keep a long time after being gathered, and are used every 
year in lavish profusion in the decorations of the flower 
carnivals. 

The little bulbs, eaten raw, are quite palatable, and are 
eagerly sought bv the children, who call them "grass-nuts." 
The early Spanish-Californians also appreciated them, and 
knew them as "saitas." They have a number of other com- 
mon names, such as "Spanish lily," "cluster-lily," "wild hya- 
cinth," and "hog-onion" ; but I must protest against the injus- 
tice of this latter, and beg all flower-lovers to discountenance it. 

Closely resembling the above, is B. multiUora, Benth. It 
has, however, but three stamens, the other three being repre- 
sented by staminodia, which are entire and of the same length 
as the stamens. 

B. congesta, Smith, another similar species, is often four 
feet tall. It also has three stamens and three staminodia ; but 
the latter are deeply cleft and exceed the anthers. This is 
called "ookow" by the Indians. 

268 




•BRODLEA — Brodiea capitata. 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

BROWN LILY. MISSION-BELLS. BRONZE-BELLS. 
RICE-ROOT. 

Fritillaria lanceolata, Pursh. Lily Family. 

Stem. — A foot or two high. Leaves. — In scattered whorls ; lance- 
olate; two to live inches long. Flowers. — One to several; open cam- 
panulate; greenish or black-purple; variously checkered or mottled. 
Perianth-segments. — Strongly arched, with a large oblong nectary. 
Stamens. — Six. Ovary. — Three-celled. Hab. — The Coast Ranges from 
Santa Cruz northward into Marin County. 

" 'Neath cloistered boughs each floral bell that swingeth 

Makes Sabbath in the fields, and ever ringeth 
A call to prayer.'' 

One of the oddest and most beautiful flowers of our rich 
woodlands is the brown lily, or fritillary. It is unrivaled in 
elegance, for every line of its contour is a study in grace. Nor 
do its charms cease with stem and leaf and flower ; for, hidden 
away in the rich leaf-mold, is one of its most beautiful features, 
its bulb. This is pure, shining white, conical in form, and sur- 
rounded by many tiny bulblets, like grains of rice, which crum- 
ble away from it at a touch. If you go into the woods in early 
spring, you will often see certain handsome, broad, shining, 
solitary leaves, a foot or less long, close to the ground, and you 
will wonder what they are. Often near them there are many 
tiny leaves of the same sort pushing their way aboveground ; 
and sometimes among them all there is a solitary strong scape, 
with unfolding leaves and a promise of flowers. This is a 
colony of the beautiful brown lilies. The tiny leaves are the 
product of the little rice-grains, and are probably now seeing 
the light for the first time. Between these and the large leaves 
the breadth of the hand, are many sizes, in all stages. The 
broad leaves may be from bulbs four or five years old, but they 
will send up no blossom-stalk this year; for there is rarely or 
never a radical leaf and a blossom-stalk from the same bulb 
at once. 

When the plant is about to flower, the bulb sends up a tall 
stalk, with here and there a whorl of shining leaves, hanging at 

270 




BROWN LILY— Fritillaria lanceolate. 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

the summit its string of pendent bronze-bells. These are mot- 
tled and checkered, and are of varying shades, from dull green 
to black-purple, and often have a beautiful bloom upon them. 
Their modest colors blend so nicely into the shadowy scene 
about, that it is difficult to see them unless the eye is some- 
what practiced. 

Following the inflorescence comes a beautiful and unique 
seed-vessel, curiously winged and angled, and of a delicate, 
papery texture when mature. It contains the thin, flat seeds, 
neatly packed in six ranks. 

The flowers are usually an inch long, though they are some- 
times two inches long. A plant was once found three and a 
half feet high, with a chime of nineteen bells. 

BLACK LILY. CHOCOLATE-LILY. 

Fritillaria biiiora, Lindl. Lily Family. 
Hab. — The Coast Ranges, from San Diego to Mendocino County. 

We have a number of species of Fritillaria, most of them 
with beautiful flowers. They fall naturally into two groups, 
according to the character of the bulb; F. lanceolata and F. 
biiiora being types of the two groups. 

F. biiiora, the black, or chocolate, lily, is the species com- 
mon in the south, and blooms early. It closely resembles F. 
lanceolata, but can always be distinguished by its bulb, which is 
composed of several erect, short, easily separable scales. Its 
specific name is an unfortunate one ; for, far from being con- 
fined to two flowers, it often has as many as ten. 

F. pluriilora, Torr., the pink fritillary, found upon the upper 
Sacramento, has flowers of a uniform reddish-purple, without 
mottling or spots. It has a comparatively large bulb, an inch 
or so long, formed of separate scales, which often has below it 
a fleshy tap-root. 

F. pudica, Spreng., found on the eastern slopes of the 
Sierras, has solitary yellow flowers. 

F. liliacea, Lindl., is our only white species. This is found 

272 



1 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

upon the hills of San Francisco, at Mare Island, at Point Rich- 
mond, and in the Sacramento Valley. It has a whorl of leaves 
near the ground and two or three greenish-white, nodding flow- 
ers. It is exceedingly local. 

LARGE-FLOWERED PHACELIA. 

Phacelia grandiflora, Gray. Baby-eyes or Waterleaf Family. 
Coarse, glandular-viscid plants ; one to three feet high. Leaves. — 
Round-ovate ; irregularly toothed ; sometimes three or four inches long. 
Flowers. — Lavender to white; variously streaked and veined with 
purple. Corolla. — Rotate ; two inches across ; without scalelike ap- 
pendages in the throat. Filaments. — Long; purple. Anthers large; 
versatile. Style two-cleft. (See Phacelia.) Hab. — From Santa Bar- 
bara to San Diego. 

This is the largest-flowered of all our phacelias. Its tall 
stems are abundantly covered above with the fine-looking 
blossoms. These are very attractive to the uninitiated, who 
usually rushes forward in breathless haste to possess himself 
of these new-found treasures and is rarely satisfied with less 
than a large bunch of them. But woe lies in wait for him. 
The innumerable glands, covering the whole plant, readily 
yield up their viscid fluid, which in a few moments turns every- 
thing with which it comes in contact to a deep red-brown, like 
iron-rust. If he escape with ruined clothing and hands the 
color of a red Indian, he will have come off well — for the plant 
poisons some people. 

Another species — P. viscida, Torr. — found in about the same 
range as the above, resembles it closely. It is a foot or so 
high, branching from the base, and has blue flowers with 
purple or white centers, and only half the size of the above. 

GREEN-BANDED MARIPOSA. NOONA. 

Calochortus macrocarpus, Dougl. Lily Family. 

Hab. — Sandy deserts of northeastern California to eastern Washing- 
ton and into Idaho. 

Nature has sent this, one of the finest and most elegant of 
all our mariposas, to beautify the arid sagebrush deserts of 
our northeastern boundary. In Europe it is admired beyond 

273 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

all our other species, and there is a great demand for the bulbs. 
Its large flowers are of a beautiful lilac, similar in tone to the 
Marie Louise violet, and each pointed petal has a green band 
running down its center. 

Among the Indians of their native region the rather large 
bulbs of these plants are known as "noonas," and regarded as 
a priceless delicacy. Even those who have never experienced 
the bliss of tasting them know them by reputation as the acme 
of all that is delicious. When Mr. Johnson, of Astoria, wished 
to secure a number of the bulbs for the European market, he 
hired the squaws to dig them, but found that they ate them as 
fast as they dug them ; and it was only by offering them most 
liberal stores of bacon and flour he could induce them to 
restrain their appetites and part with the treasure. 

VIOLET NIGHTSHADE. 

Solatium Xanti, Gray. Nightshade Family. 

Herbaceous nearly to the base; viscid-pubescent, with jointed hairs. 
Stems. — Several feet high. Leaves. — Two inches or less long; some- 
times with lobes at the base; thin. Flozvers. — An inch or so across. 
Calyx. — Five-parted. Corolla. — Violet, with green spots ringed with 
white at the base. Stamens. — Five. Filaments short. Anthers erect ; 
opening terminally. Ovary. — Two-celled. Style filiform; exserted. 
Berries. — Purple ; six lines in diameter. Hab. — Southern California, 
northward to Santa Barbara, and occasional in the Sierras. 

These plants are especially abundant in the south, where 
one encounters them upon every roadside. The clusters of 
violet flowers are very handsome, and often have the perfume 
of the wild rose. 

Another species — £. itmbellifcritm, Esch. — is so nearly like 
the above as to be often confounded with it. But it has 
smaller, thicker leaves, the hairs are branched, and it is more 
woody below, with shorter flowering branches. 

We once saw, in an ideal Japanese villa among the red- 
woods, a rustic arbor over which had been trained the rough, 
woody stems of one of these nightshades. The genius of these 
wise little people, who had adapted this pretty woodland 

274 




VIOLET NIGHTSHADE— Solanum Xanti. 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

climber to sylvan cultivation, seemed to us worthy of emu- 
lation. 

SKULLCAP. 

Scutellaria tuberosa, Benth. Mint Family. 

Stems. — Several inches high, or at length trailing, and a foot long ; 
from small tubers. Leaves. — One inch long and less ; not aromatic. 
Flowers. — Axillary ; blue-purple. Calyx. — Bilabiate. Corolla. — Six 
lines or more long ; tubular ; bilabiate. Stamens. — Four ; in pairs ; as- 
cending; contained in the helmet. Ovary. — Of four seedlike nutlets. 
Style filiform. Hab. — Hillsides, from San Diego northward; probably 
throughout the State. 

The bright-green herbage and the rich purple-blue flowers 
of the little skullcap may be looked for early in February. In 
the north they grow upon dry, stony hill-slopes under the 
chaparral, while southward they often affect the walls of 
canons, among moist, luxuriant vegetation. 

Though borne in the axils of the opposite leaves, the pretty 
blossoms, by a twist of their pedicels, stand side by side in 
pairs, in a very sociable way. The curious little two-lipped 
calyx resembles an old-fashioned Quaker bonnet. 

Another species — 5*. angustifolia, Pursh. — common in the 
Sierras, has linear to oblong leaves, an inch long; flowers an 
inch or more long, the lower lobe of whose corolla is hairy 
within, and the root is not tuberous. It is otherwise like the 
above. 

S. Calif omica, Gray, is very similar to the last species, but 
has cream-white flowers. This is found in early summer upon 
dry banks in the Coast Ranges and the Sierras. 

BLUE FLAX. 

Linum Lewisii, Pursh. Flax Family. 
Smooth, perennial, with stems twelve to thirty inches high ; leafy be- 
low, lax above. Leaves. — Linear-lanceolate; five to nine lines long. 
Flowers. — Blue ; in loose clusters. Sepals. — Five ; small. Corolla. — Six 
to nine lines across. Petals. — Five. Ovary. — Ten-celled. Styles. — Five. 
Capsule three or four lines long. Hab. — Northern Coast Ranges, and 
the Sierras. 

The blue flax is a pretty flower, found more abundantly in 
the Sierras than in the Coast Ranges. 

276 




SKULLCAP — Scutellaria tuber 01 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

CORAL-ROOT. 

Corallorhiza Bigelovii, Wats. Orchis Family. 

Leafless plants, with coral-like roots. Scapes. — Flesh-colored ; six 
to twenty-four inches high, with two to four scarious, sheathing bracts. 
Flowers. — Few to many; sessile. Perianth. — Of six segments. The 
five upper yellowish, striped with purple. The lip yellowish, tipped 
with deep red-purple. Anther. — One; resting upon the column like a 
lid; falling early. Ovary. — One-celled. Hab. — Central and northern 
Coast Ranges and Sierras. 

The coral-root is very rare in some localities, and one may 
not meet it more than a few times. But there are favored 
spots where its flesh-colored stems rear themselves luxuriantly. 
One year I saw a magnificent bunch of them being taken to 
San Francisco to furnish a rare and costly decoration for 
some festive occasion. Some of the stems were two feet tall 
and thickly covered above with the odd flowers, making a 
cluster which it would be difficult to equal for quiet elegance 
of coloring. 

The plants are often found in redwood groves or upon 
wooded hill-slopes of north exposure, where the dull stems 
and flowers blend so nicely into the dead needles and leaves 
upon the ground that it is difficult to detect their presence. 

As its name indicates, the root is the counterpart of a spray 
of branching coral. 

Another species — C. multi-flora, Nutt. — has stems of a colder 
purple ; and the lip of the flower is white, spotted with purple, 
somewhat fan-shaped and three-lobed. 

JACOB'S LADDER. GREEK VALERIAN. 

Polemonium carneym, Gray. Phlox or Polemonium Family. 

Stems. — One to two feet ; lax ; diffusely branching. Leaves. — Alter- 
nate ; pinnate. Leaflets. — Sessile ; thin ; seven to seventeen ; ovate to 
ovate-lanceolate ; twelve to fifteen lines long. Flowers. — Loosely clus- 
tered on slender pedicels. Calyx. — Campanulate ; five-cleft; four lines 
long, increasing in size with age. Corolla. — Broadly funnel-form ; 
salmon-color to purple ; eight to twelve, lines long ; the limb as broad 
expanded. Stamens. — Five, on the corolla, included. Ovary. — Three- 
celled. Style three-cleft. Fruit.— A capsule. Hab. — Coast Ranges, from 
Marin County to Siskiyou County. 

This beautiful flower is found in the woods of our Coast 

278 




CORAL-ROOT— Corallorhisa Bigelovii. 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

Ranges in April and May. It is rather rare and quite variable, 
as its flowers range from salmon-color to purple. 

Polemonium cceruleum, Linn., is said to be found in the high 
Sierras. This has tall stems, and the corolla varies from bright 
blue to white. 

CALIFORNIA LILAC. BLUE MYRTLE. BLUE-BLOSSOM. 

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus > Esch. Buckthorn Family. 

Varying from small, prostrate shrubs in exposed places, to erect 
shrubs or small trees. Branches. — Strongly angled; not spiny. Leaves. 
— Elliptical ; twelve to eighteen lines long ; three-nerved ; smooth and 
shining above. Flowers. — Bright to pale blue, rarely white ; in dense 
clusters about three inches long, terminating the usually elongated, 
somewhat leafy peduncles. Capsules. — Globose ; two lines in diameter ; 
smooth, not crested; slightly lobed. (See Ceanothus.) Hab. — Near 
the coast, from Monterey northward into Oregon. 

In the spring our chaparral-covered slopes begin to take on 
a bluish tinge, like the misty smoke of distant camp-fires, for 
which the blossoms of the California lilac are responsible. This 
is a graceful evergreen shrub, with rich, shining leaves, among 
which the abundant feathery clusters of tiny blue flowers find a 
charming setting. The blossoms are deliciously fragrant, fill- 
ing the cool air with perfume. 

This shrub is never found far away from the coast, and it 
reaches its greatest beauty in Mendocino County, where it 
becomes a tree, sometimes thirty-five feet high. Its wood is 
exceedingly brittle. In early days it used to be cultivated in 
San Francisco gardens before it was crowded out by foreign 
shrubs, often far less worthy. 

It is known in some localities as "blue myrtle," and in others 
as "blue-blossom." The name "California lilac," by which 
it is most often known, is more generally and more appropri- 
ately applied to this species of ceanothus than to any of the 
others. 

The dark seeds are a favorite food of the quail. 



280 




CALIFORNIA LILAC— Ceanothus thyrsiflor 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

BLUE LARKSPUR. ESPUELA DEL CABALLERO. 

Delphinium, Tourn. Buttercup or Crowfoot Family. 

California is rich in beautiful larkspurs, but the species are 
very difficult of determination and not well defined as yet. 
We have two well-marked scarlet species ; but confusion still 
reigns among the blue and the white. Some of the latter are 
poisonous to sheep and cattle, causing great losses to the herds 
every year in some localities. 

Among the blue larkspurs are some of our handsomest spring 
flowers. Their slender wands, covered with magnificent large 
blossoms, rise abundantly on every side upon some of the mesas 
of our seashore, making charming flower-gardens upon the 
plains. They are so lavishly bestowed that every comer may 
gather his fill and still none be missed. In color they are 
matchless — of the richest of Mazarin blue and purple-blue. 

Other species are to be found upon the slopes of interior 
valleys and scattered all through the Coast Ranges and the 
Sierra foothills. In midsummer, which is the vernal springtime 
of the mountains, many lovely species deck the alpine meadows 
and brooksides. 

The Spanish-Calif ornians have a pretty title for these blos- 
soms — "espuela del caballero" — "the cavalier's spur." 

PURPLE NEMOPHILA. 

Nemophila aurita, Lindl. Baby-eyes or Waterleaf Family. 

Stems. — One to three feet long; square; angled; weak; very brittle; 
with backward-pointing; hooked bristles. Leaves. — All with a dilated, 
clasping, eared base or winged petiole ; above deeply pinnatifid into 
five to nine oblong or lanceolate, downward-pointing lobes. Corolla. — 
Violet; an inch or so across. (Otherwise as Nemophila insignis.) 
Hab. — From San Francisco to San Diego. 

The purple nemophila is most abundant in the south, grow- 
ing everywhere in early springtime upon hillsides partially 
shaded. Its long, coarse, hispid stems run riot over small 
undershrubs or dead or unsightly brushwood, often completely 

282 




BLUE LARKSPUR— Delphinium. 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

covering them with a mound of foliage thickly sown with 
the dull-purple flowers. 

At first it is difficult to realize that this plant of coarse habit 
belongs to the sisterhood of baby-eyes, those delicate, ethereal 
favorites of the springtime. In fact, one's first impression of 
it is that it is some new species of nightshade. One learns, 
however, to have a fondness for these blossoms and a growing 
desire to gather them; but their tangling, quarrelsome habit 
forbids one, if any other flowers are in question. 

It is said that the dark-eyed senoritas of early days decked 
their ball-dresses with sprays of this flower, which clung grace- 
fully to the thin fabrics. 

CAT'S-EARS. PUSSY'S-EARS. 

Calochortus Maweanus, Leicht. Lily Family. 

Hab. — The Coast Ranges from San Francisco Bay northward into 
Oregon. 

This is an exceedingly pretty little calochortus, much re- 
sembling C. Benthami in form, but having pure-white or 
purplish-blue flowers, which are also covered with hairs and 
delicately fringed with hairs on the margin. Its stems are 
low, slender, and graceful, without bulblets at the base ; its 
petals are six to eight lines long; and the gland upon the 
petals has a transverse scale covering its upper portion. 

This plant belongs to the section of Calochortus whose 
species are known as "star-tulips." In the Coast Ranges, in 
early spring, the blossoms are found in moist meadows near 
the sea, where they nestle amid the grasses. 

The children are especially fond of them, and know them 
as "cat's-ears" and "pussy's-ears." 

C. uniflorus, Hook, and Arn., found in wet meadows from 
Monterey northward, has lilac to rose-purple flowers. Its 
petals are hairy on the lower third, and its stems bear small 
bulblets at the base underground. 

C. umbellatus, Wood., is very similar to C. Maweanus; 

284 




CAT'S-EARS — Calochortus Maweanm 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

but its pure-white petals are almost without hairs, and its stem 
is without bulblets. This is found blooming in March and 
April on the low mountains of Contra Costa and Marin 
counties. 

GROUND-IRIS. 

Iris macrosiphon, Torr. Iris Family. 

Almost stemless plants, often forming mats. Rhizome. — Slender. 
Radical leaves. — Grasslike ; six to fifteen inches long. Buds. — One or 
two ; borne in sheathing bracts. Flowers. — On short pedicels ; deep 
purple-blue, marked with white. Perianth. — With slender tube one 
to three inches long. Stamens. — Three ; borne under the petaloid 
divisions of the style. Ovary. — Three-celled. Capsule. — Oblong-ovoid; 
shortly acute at each end; one inch long. Seeds in two rows in each 
cell; compressed and angled. Hab. — The Coast Ranges, from San 
Mateo to Trinity County. 

When spring is at its height, this charming little iris may 
be found upon sunny, open hillsides among the unrolling cro- 
siers of the common brake. There is something peculiarly 
captivating about these blossoms, with their satisfying richness 
of hue and perfect symmetry of form, added to which is a 
sweet, delicate perfume, an ideal exhalation of the springtime. 

As the buds unfold beautifully in water, it is better to 
gather buds than flowers, as the latter are too fragile to carry 
without breaking. 

/. longipetala, Herb., is the common bog-iris of our central 
coast. It grows in large clumps in wet places, and while 
not a delicate flower, it has a certain brave, hardy look as it 
stands out upon the wind-swept mesas of the Coast. Its 
stems are rather stout, a foot or two high, and have from three 
to five large lilac flowers. The sepals are veined with deeper 
lilac and blotched with orange. 

TOAD-FLAX. 

Linaria Canadensis, Dumont. Figwort Family. 

Stems. — Slender; six inches to two feet high. Leaves. — Mostly 
alternate on the flowering stems, but smaller and broader ones often 
opposite or whorled on the procumbent shoots ; linear ; smooth. 
Flozvers. — Blue ; in terminal racemes ; like those of antirrhinum, but 

286 




GROUND-IRIS— Iris macrosiphon. 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

the tube furnished with a long, downward-pointing spur at base. Hab. 
— Throughout California. 

The delicate blue flowers of the toad-flax are not uncom- 
mon in spring, and the plants are usually found in sandy soil. 
The little blossoms are very ethereal and have a sweet perfume. 
I once saw a deep-blue band upon a mesa near San Diego 
which vied in richness with the ultramarine of the sea just be- 
yond. It stretched for some distance, and at last curved 
around and crossed the road over which I was passing, when 
it proved to be made up of millions of these delicate flowers. 
The color effect seemed cumulative, for the mass was so much 
richer and deeper than the individual flowers. 

WILD HELIOTROPE. VERVENIA. 

Phacclia ramosissima, Dougl. Baby-eyes or Waterleaf Family. 

Divergently branching, straggly herbs ; rough and hairy. Leaves. — ■ 
Pinnately divided. Flozvers. — Bright violet-blue ; in clustered, scorpioid 
racemes. Calyx-lobes. — Linear-spatulate to obovate. Corolla. — Six 
lines long. Style. — Two-cleft. Ovary. — One-celled. Hab. — Through- 
out the western part of the State. 

The wild heliotrope is one of the most abundant flowers of 
midspring, especially in the south. It affects the gravelly 
banks of streams or the sandy soil of mesas ; or grows all 
along the railroad embankments, making great mounds of 
foliage, thickly sown with the bright violet-blue blossoms ; or 
it may often be seen clambering up through small shrubs, 
seeming to seek the support of their stiff branches. It is need- 
less to say that this is not a true heliotrope, but belongs to the 
closely allied genus, Phacelia. Among the Spanish-Califor- 
nians it is known as "vervenia." 

It is a very important honey-plant. 

P. Doiiglasii, Torr., is a species with lavender corolla with 
much the aspect of the baby-blue-eyes. This is common in 
the western part of the State, south of Monterey, and is found 
sparingly north of that point. 

288 




WILD HELIOTROPE — Phacelia ramosissima. 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

BLUE-EYED GRASS. AZULEA. VILLELA. 

Sisyrinchium helium, Wats. Iris Family. 

Leaves. — Radical ; grasslike ; shorter than the stems. Stems. — Flat ; 
clustered; six to eighteen inches high. Flozvers. — Four to seven; con- 
tained in two nearly equal sheathing bracts. Perianth. — Six-parted; 
purplish-blue, with yellow center; six lines to an inch across. Stamens. 
— Three. Filaments united. Ovary. — Three-celled. Style filiform. 
Stigma spindle-shaped ; three-cleft after fertilization. Hab. — Through- 
out California. 

The blue-eyed grass is such a modest flower one would 
never suspect it to be closely allied to the regal iris. In late 
spring its quiet stars are found in our meadows everywhere. 
In the south it grows so luxuriantly and so determinedly that 
it has become a serious pest to the farmer, crowding more 
useful plants from the pasture. 

Owing to the quaint manner in which its petals kink up 
when they fade, these blossoms are called "nigger-babies" by 
the children. Among the Spanish-Californians the plant is 
known as "azulea" and "villela," and is made into a tea 
which is considered a valuable remedy in fevers. It is thought 
that a patient can subsist for many days upon it alone. 

S. Calif ornicum, Ait., the "golden-eyed grass," with bright 
yellow flowers, is found in wet places all up and down the 
Coast, also in the Sierras. 

BABY-EYES. BLUE-VEINED NEMOPHILA. 

Nemophila intermedia, Bioletti. Baby-eyes or Waterleaf Family. 

Leaves. — With petioles somewhat widened at base and ciliate ; the 
upper all opposite. Corolla. — Nine to twelve lines wide; light blue to 
white ; distinctly blue-veined or more or less sown with purple dots. 
Scales of the corolla long, narrow, hairy, with expanded tips extending 
nearly to the sinuses. Ovary. — Rounded ; with twelve to twenty-four 
ovules. (Otherwise as N. insignis.) Syn. — Nemophila Menziesii, Hook, 
and Arn. Hab. — Rather wide-spread. 

This beautiful nemophila is a more fragile flower than its 
sister, the baby-blue-eyes. Its delicate corolla is usually white 
in the center, blending to azure-blue upon the rim, and dotted 
and veined with the same. At its best, it is an inch across. It 

290 




BLUE-EYED GRASS— Sisyrinchium bellum. 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

affects the borders of moist woodlands, rarely venturing far out 
into the openings. There it nestles amid the tender herbage, 
often producing its ethereal flowers in such profusion that it 
seems as though bits of the sky had fallen to earth. In the 
south these blossoms do not seem so truly at home — for they 
are never so large nor so fine. 

CALIFORNIA MILKWORT. 

Poly gala Calif ornica, Nutt. Milkwort Family. 

Stems. — Two to eight inches high. Leaves. — Six to twelve lines 
long. Flowers. — Rose-purple. Sepals. — Five ; two of them large and 
spreading like wings ; six lines or less long. Petals. — Three ; united to 
each other and to the stamen-tube ; the middle one hooded above and 
beaked. Stamens. — Eight. Filaments united into a sheath, which is 
open above. Anthers one-celled ; opening terminally. Ovary. — Two- 
celled. Style enlarging upward ; curved like a button-hook. Pod. — 
Rounded ; flat ; three or four lines across. Syn. — P. cucullata, Benth. 
Hab. — The Coast Ranges southward to Santa Barbara and beyond. 

In late spring the little flowers of the milkwort are com- 
mon upon dry hill-slopes in the shade of the trees. The 
small plants have a very grown-up look, as though their age 
might be greater than indicated by their stature. At first 
glance one is quite certain to mistake these plants for members 
of the Pea family, as the blossoms have wings and a keel like 
the papilionaceous flower. But a careful counting of sepals, 
petals, and stamens will reveal their separate identity. 

A curious feature of this plant is the fact that it bears 
another kind of flower near the root. This is without petals, 
and is destined, for some strange reason, to bear the seed. 
The upper flowers seem mostly for show, though one does 
occasionally mature fruit. 

P. cofnuta, Kell., found in the Sierras, is a larger plant, 
with greenish-white flowers. 

BIRD'S-EYES. 

Gilia tricolor, Benth. Phlox or Polemonium Family. 

Stems. — Slender ; branching ; six inches to a foot or more high. 
Leaves. — Twice pinnately parted into narrow linear lobes. Corolla. — 
Six lines long ; with yellow tube ; funnel-form throat, marked with deep 

292 




CALIFORNIA MILKWORT— Polygala Calif ornica. 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

violet-purple; and lilac or white limb. (See Gilia.) Hab. — Through- 
out western California. 

Whole slopes are often carpeted with this dainty gilia, pro- 
ducing an effect which has been described as like light chin- 
chilla. The little blossoms have a peculiarly fresh and winsome 
look, and are called "bird's-eyes" by the children. The corol- 
las are delicate lilac, blending into white toward the center, 
while the throat has five purple spots within, which give way 
to bright gold below. 

WILD CANTERBURY-BELL. 

Phacelia Whitlavia, Gray. Baby-eyes or Waterleaf Family. 

A foot or so high ; very hairy and glandular. Leaves. — Alternate ; 
petioled ; ovate or deltoid ; toothed ; twelve to eighteen lines long. 
Flowers. — Purple. Calyx. — Five-parted. Corolla. — An inch or more 
long. Stamens. — Five ; on the base of the corolla ; appendaged at 
base; long-exserted, with the two-cleft style. Ovary. — Two-celled. 
Syn. — Whitlavia grandiflora, Harv. Hab. — From Los Angeles to 
San Bernardino. 

The wild Canterbury-bell is one of the most charming 
flowers to be found anywhere. It affects the rich soil of half- 
shaded hill-slopes in the vicinity of streams, where it opens its 
beautiful fragile bells. Its stems are very brittle, and the blos- 
soms fall early, the lower ones usually having passed away 
before the upper buds have emerged from the coil. The 
exceedingly long stamens and style give these blossoms an 
elegant, airy look. 

P. Parry i, Torr., is another beautiful species, found from 
Los Angeles to San Diego. It resembles the above in foliage, 
color of blossoms, and the long stamens ; but the form of the 
flowers is that of the nemophila. 

LILAC SAND-VERBENA. WILD LANTANA. 

Abronia villosa, Wats. Four-o'clock Family. 

Plants with more or less glandular-villous pubescence. Stems. — 
Prostrate. Leaves. — Rarely an inch long. Peduncles. — One to three 
inches long; five- to fifteen- flowered. Involucral bracts.— Lanceolate ; 
three or four lines long. Perianth. — Lilac ; four or five lines across ; 

294 




WILD CANTERBURY-BELL— Phacelia Whitlan 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

with obcordate lobes. (Otherwise as A. lati folia.) Hab. — San Diego 
and eastward ; also in southern deserts. 

The charming flowers of the lilac sand-verbena are not found 
upon the immediate sea-beach, but always a little withdrawn 
from it, where the soil is more firmly established, yet within 
sight and sound of the waves. The blossoms have a delicate 
beauty, not shared by our other species of Abronia, and some- 
what resemble our garden verbenas. They are sometimes 
called "wild lantana." 

A. umbellaia, Lam., is common all up and down our coast, 
often making masses of deep pink on the beach ; while A. mari- 
tima, Nutt, is found from Santa Barbara to San Diego. The 
latter is a very stout, coarse, viscid plant, with small, very deep 
magenta flowers. 

BABY-BLUE-EYES. CALIFORNIA BLUEBELLS. 
MARIANAS. 

Nemophila insignis, Dougl. Baby-eyes or Waterleaf Family. 

Tender, more or less hairy herbs. Stems. — Branching; six to twelve 
inches long. Leaves. — Pinnately parted into live to nine small, oblong, 
entire or two- to five-lobed divisions. Calyx. — Five-parted, with five 
extra, alternating, reflexed lobes. Corolla. — An inch or more across; 
from azure-blue, with a large, well-defined white center, more or less 
dotted, to deep blue. The throat furnished with ten short, wide, hairy 
scales, or plates. Stamens. — Five; on the corolla. Ovary. — One-celled. 
Style two-cleft.' Hab. — Throughout California. 

When skies are smiling and the earth is already clothed with 
a luxuriant and tender herbage, we find upon some balmy 
morning that the baby-eyes have opened in gentle surprise 
upon the lovely world. The spring breezes blow over no 
more beautiful and ethereal flowers than these. Companies of 
them open together, dotting the sward and luring us on from 
one to another, the one just beyond always seeming a little 
brighter blue or a little more captivating than those near at 
hand, till we are beguiled into filling our hands with them. 

These delicate blossoms vary greatly in size and color. The 
largest and finest I ever saw grew upon the flower-sprinkled 

296 




BABY-BLUE-EYES — Nemophila insignis. 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

slopes of Lake Merced, near San Francisco. There the perfect 
azure corollas were an inch and a half across, with the large 
white circle in the center well defined. 

Under southern skies it becomes a deep Yale blue, with the 
texture of tissue-paper, and with dark red-brown anthers. 

From the campanulate, half-opened buds, it has been called 
"California bluebell," and among the Spanish-Californians it 
is known as "Mariana." 

INNOCENCE. COLLINSIA. 

Collinsia bicolor, Benth. Figwort Family. 

Stems. — A foot or so high. Leaves. — The lower oblong; the upper 
ovate-lanceolate. Calyx. — Unequally five-cleft. Corolla. — Nine lines 
long. Upper lip lilac or white ; lower of three lobes ; the middle folded 
into a keeled sac containing the stamens and style ; the two lateral 
rose-purple. Stamens. — Four; in two pairs on the corolla. Upper 
filaments bearded. Ovary. — Two-celled. Style filiform. Hab. — 
Throughout western California. 

Where spreading trees cast a dense shade and the moisture 
still lingers, companies of lovely collinsias stand amid the fresh 
green grasses, their delicate, many-storied blossoms swaying 
upon the idle breezes. In the north these are in the rear guard 
of spring flowers, and make their appearance just before the 
godetias bid farewell to spring; but in the south they come 
earlier. They vary much in color, from the typical rose-purple 
and white or lilac to all white. 

We have a number of species ; but C. bicolor is the most 
showy and wide-spread. A white-flowered species, C. t Vic- 
toria, Hartweg, is very beautiful and abundant in the Yosemite 
Valley. It has a glandular pubescence that stains the fingers. 

CAMASS. KAMASS. WILD HYACINTH. 

Camassia esculenta, Lindl. Lily Family. 

Bulbs coated. Leaves. — Radical ; six or eight ; grasslike ; three to 
eight lines broad; usually shorter than the scape. Scape. — Twelve to 
twenty-four inches high ; loosely ten- to twenty-flowered. Pedicels 
three to twelve lines long. Flowers. — From dark blue to nearly white ; 
seven to fifteen lines long or more ; an inch or so across. Perianth. — ■ 
Of six distinct, oblanceolate, three- to seven-nerved segments. Stamens. 

298 




COLLINSIA — Collinsia bicolor. 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

— Six ; shorter than the segments. Anthers yellow. Ovary. — Three- 
celled. Style filiform ; about equaling the perianth ; slightly three-cleft 
at the summit. Hab. — Wet meadows and marshes, from central Cali- 
fornia to Washington. 

In some localities these plants are found covering meadows 
and marshy tracts in great profusion. They bear beautiful 
clusters of showy blue flowers, somewhat like the hyacinth in 
habit, and have long been favorites in European gardens. We 
are especially interested in them, however, on account of the 
bulbs, which are about an inch in diameter and very nutritious. 
Grizzly bears, when more plentiful in the early days, were 
particularly fond of them; and the northern Indians to-day 
value them very highly as an article of diet, calling them 
"kamass." Indeed, the Nez Perce Indian war in Idaho was 
caused by encroachments upon the territory which was espe- 
cially rich in these bulbs. The plants are more abundant 
north of us than with us. 

Mr. Macoun gives a most interesting account in "Garden 
and Forest" of the preparation of kamass among the Indians, 
which is a very important and elaborate performance. He 
says, in substance :■ — For some days beforehand the squaws 
were busily engaged in carrying into camp branches of alder 
and maple, bundles of skunk-cabbage (Lysichiton) , and a 
quantity of a. black, hairlike lichen, which grows in profusion 
upon the western larch. A hole ten feet square and two feet 
deep was then dug, and a large fire was made in this, in which 
they heated a great many small boulders to the glowing point. 
They then piled maple and alder boughs over these to the 
depth of a foot or more, tramped them down, and laid over 
them the leaves of the skunk-cabbage. Thin sheets of tama- 
rack bark were spread over the steaming green mass, and 
upon these were placed the bulbs in large baskets. The black 
lichen was laid over the uncovered bark, and the remaining 
bulbs were spread on this. The whole was then covered with 
boughs and leaves as before, and sand was sprinkled on to 
the depth of four or five inches, and on the top of the whole a 

300 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

larger fire than before was built. The sun was just setting 
when this was lighted, and it burned all night. The oven was 
left for a day to cool. When opened, the bulbs in the baskets 
were dissolved to a flour, from which bread could be made ; 
while those on the lichen had become amalgamated with it, 
forming a substance resembling plug-tobacco, which could be 
broken up and kept sweet a long time. 

When boiled in water, the bulbs yield a very good molasses, 
much prized by the Indians, and used by them upon important 
festival occasions. 

There is a white-flowered form of this same species, whose 
bulb is said to be poisonous. 

DOUGLAS IRIS. 

Iris Douglasiana, Herb. Iris Family. 

Rhizomes. — Stoutish ; clumps not dense. Radical leaves. — Strongly 
ribbed underneath ; dark, shining green above ; one to three feet long ; 
three to eight lines broad; flexile; rosy pink at base. Stems. — Simple; 
two- or three-flowered. Flowers. — On pedicels six to eighteen lines 
long ; deep reddish-purple, lilac, or cream. Perianth-tube. — Six to twelve 
lines lcng. Capsule. — Narrowly oblong; acutely triangular; twenty 
lines long. Seeds nearly globular. (Otherwise as /. macro siphon.') 
Hob. — The coast, from Santa Cruz to Marin County. 

On account of the bright and varied hues of its flowers, the 
genus Iris was named for the rainbow-winged messenger of 
the gods. In France it is known as "fleur-de-lis," a name 
whose origin has caused endless discussion and has been ac- 
counted for in many ways. There are many species, all of 
them beautiful. Orris-root is the product of the lovely white 
Florentine iris. 

In California we have several comparatively well-known 
species, and a number of others which are without names as 
yet; but the Douglas iris is probably our most beautiful. It 
thrives well upon open mesas or upon well-drained hill-slopes 
in the shelter of the chaparral. But it is found at its best in 
the rich soil of moist woodlands, whose seclusion seems the 
most fitting abode for so aristocratic a flower. There, sur- 

301 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

rounded by the delicate greenery of fern-fronds and a hundred 
other tender, springing things, it seems to hold a sylvan court, 
receiving homage from all the other denizens of the wood. 
There is a certain marked and personal individuality about 
these flowers which makes encountering them seem like meet- 
ing certain distinguished personages. In the shade of deep 
woods the flowers are usually cream-white, while in open 
chaparral or on grassy slopes they are more apt to be lilac. 

CHIA. SAGE. 

Salvia Columbaria, Benth. Mint Family. 

Stems. — Six inches to two feet high. Leaves. — Wrinkly ; one to 
several inches long. Flowers. — Blue ; in interrupted whorls. Whorls. — 
Twelve to eighteen lines in diameter ; subtended by numerous, ovate- 
acuminate bracts. Calyx. — Bilabiate ; upper lip arching, and tipped with 
two short bristles ; lower, of two awnlike teeth. Corolla. — Three or 
four lines long ; bilabiate. Upper lip erect ; notched or two-lobed. 
Lower deflexed ; with three lobes, the central much larger. Stamens. — 
Two. Filaments two; short; apparently forked — i. e. bearing on their 
summit a cross-bar having on one end a perfect anther-cell and on 
the other a dwarfed or rudimentary one. Ovary. — Of four seedlike 
nutlets. Style slender. Hab. — Throughout the State, especially south- 
ward. 

This rough-leaved sage is quite common, especially south- 
ward, and grows upon dry hillsides or in sandy washes, where 
it blossoms in- early spring. Its small bright-blue flowers are 
borne in an interrupted spike, consisting of from one to four 
button-like heads. Each of these heads has below it a number 
of leafy bracts, which are often of a bright wine-color, and 
form a rather striking contrast to the blue flowers. 

After the blossoms have passed away, the dried stems and 
heads remain standing all over the hills, shaking out the little 
gray seed in abundance. These seeds have been for centuries 
an article of economic importance to the aborigines and their 
descendants. Dr. Rothrock writes that among the Nahua 
races of ancient Mexico the plant was cultivated as regularly 
as corn, and was one of their most important cereals. Quan- 
tities of the seed have been found buried beneath groves which 

302 




CHIA — Salvia Columbaria 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

must be at least several hundred years old. It was in use 
among the Indians of California before the occupation of the 
country by the whites, being known among them as "chia." 

Dr. Bard writes of these seeds : — "They were roasted,, 
ground, and used as food by being mixed with water. Thus 
prepared, it soon develops into a mucilaginous mass, larger 
than its original bulk. Its taste is somewhat like that of lin- 
seed meal. It is exceedingly nutritious, and was readily borne 
by the stomach when that organ refused to tolerate other 
aliment. An atole, or gruel, of this was one of the peace- 
offerings to the first visiting sailors. One tablespoonful of 
these seeds was sufficient to sustain for twenty-four hours an 
Indian on a forced march. Chia was no less prized by the 
native Calif ornian, and at this late date it frequently com- 
mands six or eight dollars a pound." 

When added to water, the seeds make a cooling drink, 

which assuages burning thirst — a very valuable quality on 

the desert. 

BLUE GILIA. 

Gilia a chill ceo folia, Benth. Phlox or Polemonium Family. 

Stems. — Stoutish ; a foot or more high. Leaves. — Alternate ; dis- 
sected into linear segments. Flowers. — In capitate clusters an inch and 
a half across ; deep to lighter blue. Calyx. — Five-toothed. Corolla. — 
Four lines long ; broadly funnel-form, with obtuse lobes. Stamens. — 
Exserted. Anthers nearly white. (See Gilia.) Hab. — Hills and sandy 
ground throughout western California. 

This pretty gilia is quite common about San Francisco in 
springtime, and often makes masses of bright deep blue over 
the fields. 

It varies a great deal according to the soil and locality of 
growth. The flowers of some forms of it at a little distance 
resemble those of Brodicca capitata. 

CHICORY. SUCCORY. WILD BACHELOR'S-BUTTON. 

Cichorium Intybus, L. Composite Family. 

Stems. — Two to five feet high ; much branched. Leaves. — Alternate ; 
the lower oblong or lanceolate, partly clasping, sometimes sharply 
incised ; the upper reduced to bracts. Flower-heads. — Bright blue ; 

304 




BLUE GILIA — Gilia achilleafolia. 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

sessile ; two or three together in the axils of the leaves or terminal ; 
of ray-flowers only. Roys. — Ten lines long; about two wide; notched 
at the tip. Bracts of the involucre in two series ; green. Hab. — Escaped 
from cultivation in many places. 

The most careless observer will some day have his atten- 
tion startled into activity by a certain tall, fine plant growing 
along the roadside, bearing beautiful ragged blue flowers 
closely set to its stem. This is a stranger from over the seas, 
whose native home is England ; and, like all English, it is an 
excellent colonist, having pushed its way into most parts of the 
civilized world. It has become quite plentiful among us in the 
last few years, and whole fields may often be seen covered with 
its lovely bright-blue blossoms, which are known as "ragged 
sailors," and "wild bachelor's-buttons." They open in the 
early morning, closing by midday. In Europe a popular be- 
lief is rife that they open at eight o'clock in the morning and 
close at four in the afternoon. 

" On upland slopes the shepherds mark 
The hour when, to the dial true, 
Cichorium to the towering lark 
Lifts her soft eye, serenely blue." 

The plant is useful in several ways. Its root is boiled and 
eaten as a vegetable ; the leaves, when blanched, make an ex- 
cellent salad ; and the whole plant was formerly employed in 
medicine, and is still considered a valuable remedy for jaun- 
dice. But the most common use of it is as a substitute for 
coffee, or as an adulterant of it. The fleshy, milky root is 
dried, ground, and roasted, and though it has neither the 
essential oil nor the delicious aroma of coffee, it is not an 
unpleasant beverage, and its cheapness brings it within the 
reach of the very poor. 

The chicory industry has grown to be of considerable 
importance in California of late. The plants are grown in 
reclaimed tule land near Stockton, where there is a factory 
for the conversion of the root into the commercial article. 



306 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

LARGE MOUNTAIN FORGET-ME-NOT. 

Lappula velutina, Piper. Borage Family. 

Herbs, one to three feet tall, clothed throughout with a dense velvety 
pubescence. Lower leaves. — Spatulate-oblanceolate ; acutish ; about 
three inches long. Stem-leaves. — Numerous ; mostly sessile by broad 
bases; oblong linear or lanceolate. Flowers. — In clusters; sky-blue; 
eight lines across. Fruit. — Clothed all over with prickles. (For flower- 
structure, see Cynoglossum grande.) Hab. — The Sierras, notably the 
Tahoe region. 

In open woods of the Sierras these flowers are abundant 
and beautiful, and in clearings often make the ground blue 
with their charming hue, which is of the pure azure of 
summer skies. The individual flowers resemble those of the 
hound's-tongue in structure, but are larger, and the large 
clusters are dense instead of loose. The whole plant, instead 
of being smooth, is velvety pubescent, and the leaves are crowd- 
ed on the stem. There is often found growing with this a 
white-flowered species, Lappula Calif ornica, Piper. 

The small-flowered, blue forget-me-not — Lappula nervosa, 
Piper — is also abundant in the same regions. It is tall and 
straggly of habit, with slender leaves, flowers three lines or 
less across, and is more often found in moist places or near 
water. Its turquoise-blue flowers are followed by very trouble- 
some little burs, which catch in the hair of sheep and are much 
dreaded by sheep-herders. This is often called "stickseed." 

SPEEDWELL. BROOKLIME. 

Veronica alpina, Linn. Figwort Family. 

Stems. — Simple ; prostrate below, and ascending above ; a span or 
more long. Leaves. — Opposite ; oval or roundish ; entire ; sessile ; six 
lines long. Flowers. — Small ; blue, veined with darker blue ; in a ter- 
minal raceme. Calyx. — Four-parted. Corolla. — Rotate ; four-parted ; 
somewhat irregular; three lines across. Stamens. — Two; exserted. 
Style. — Filiform. Stigma. — Capitate. Ovary. — Two-celled. Hab. — 
Throughout the higher Sierras and eastward across the continent at 
similar elevations. 

The little speedwell furnishes one of the dainty surprises 
of our mountain brooksides and meadows, and its interesting 
little blossoms afford us a moment's joy before they fall from 
their stems. 

307 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

BLUE-AND-WHITE LUPINE. 

Lupinus bicolor, Lindl. Pea Family. 

Stems. — Stoutish ; six to ten inches high ; silky. Leaves. — Alternate ; 
with small stipules. Leaflets. — Five to seven ; linear-spatulate ; one inch 
long. Flowers. — Four or five lines long; blue and white; the white 
changing to red-purple after fertilization. Upper calyx-lip bifid ; lower 
twice as long; entire. Keel. — Falcate; acute; ciliate toward the apex. 
Pod. — Small; about five-seeded. (See Lupinus.) Hab. — Western 
central California. 

In late spring the open fields about San Francisco take on 
a delicate, amethystine tinge, due to the blossoms of the blne- 
and-white lupine. After fertilization has taken place, the white 
in these blossoms turns to deep red, and this admixture gives 
the general lilac tone to the mass. 

CATALINA MARIPOSA TULIP. 

Calochortus CatalincB, Wats. Lily Family. 

Stems. — A foot or two high ; loosely branching ; bulbiferous at the 
base. Leaves and bracts. — Linear-lanceolate. Flowers. — Erect ; eighteen 
lines or so long. Sepals. — Green without ; scarious-margined ; whitish 
within ; with purple spot at base ; one inch long ; acute. Petals. — White, 
tinged with lilac to lilac-purple ; with garnet base ; bearing an oblong 
gland covered with hairs. Filaments garnet. Capsule. — Narrowly ob- 
long; three-sided; obtuse; an inch or two long. Seeds flat; horizontal. 
(See Calochortus.) Hab.— -From San Luis Obispo County to San Ber- 
nardino ; and the islands off the coast. 

This is one of the earliest mariposas to bloom in the south. 
Its beautiful, stately white cups have a garnet base within, and 
this, with its oblong, obtuse capsule and horizontal seeds, 
clearly identifies it. These blossoms are favorite resting-places 
for the bees, who are often beguiled into them from their 
labors and lulled to a gentle slumber. We have frequently star- 
tled the little truants from these siestas, and with amusement 
watched them struggling for a moment before regaining con- 
sciousness and whizzing away once more upon their round of 
duties. 

This may be designated our maritime calochortus, as it is 
found mostly near the Coast or upon its islands. 

C. splendens, Dougl., found in the Coast Ranges from Lake 

308 




BLUE-AND-WHITE LUPINE— Lupinus bicolor. 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

County to San Diego, is sometimes confused with the above, 
as well as, in the south, with Godetia Bottce. It is a beautiful 
flower, whose petals are a clear rose-lilac without spots or 
marks, with long, whitish, cobwebby hairs on their middle 
third. Its anthers are purple or lilac, three to six lines long. 

ITHURIEL'S SPEAR. BLUE MILLA. 

Brodicca laxa, Wats. Lily Family. 

Conn. — Small ; fiber-coated. Leaves. — Usually two ; radical ; linear ; 
channeled. Scapes. — Six inches to two feet high. Umbels. — Of ten to 
thirty or more purple or violet, or even white, flowers. Pedicels. — One 
to three inches long. Perianth. — Twelve to twenty lines long. Stamens. 
Six ; in two rows ; the upper opposite the inner lobes of the perianth. 
Ovary. — Three-celled ; on a stalk six lines long. Hab. — From Kern 
County to northern Oregon. 

After the delicate collinsias have stolen away, the beauti- 
ful flowers of Ithuriel's spear begin to claim our attention in 
open grassy spots on the borders of rich woodlands. The 
common name is a happy one ; for there is something com- 
manding about this tall blossom-crowned shaft. It will 
perhaps be remembered that the angel Ithuriel possessed a 
truth-compelling spear. When Satan, disguised, went to the 
Garden of Eden to tempt Eve, Ithuriel and Zephon were sent 

to expel him. 

. . . "him there they found, 

Squat like a toad, close at the ear of Eve, 
Assaying by his devilish art to reach 
The organs of her fancy, and with them forge 
Illusions as he list, phantasms, and dreams ; 



Him thus intent Ithuriel with his spear 
Touched lightly ; for no falsehood can endure 
Touch of celestial temper, but returns 
Of force to its own likeness : up he starts 
Discovered and surprised." 

DOG-VIOLET. 

Viola canina, var. adnnca, Gray. Violet Family. 

Stems. — Leafy ; several from the rootstocks. Leaves. — Ovate ; often 
somewhat cordate at base; acute or obtuse; six to eighteen lines long; 

310 




ITHURIEL'S SPEAR— Brodicea laxa. 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

obscurely crenate. Stipules f oliaceous ; narrowly lanceolate ; lacerately 
toothed. Flozvers. — Violet or purple; rather large. Lateral petals 
bearded. Spur as long as the sepals ; rather slender ; obtuse ; hooked 
or curved. (Otherwise as V. pedunculata.) Hab. — The Coast Ranges, 
from San Francisco to Washington. 

. . . "violets 
Which yet join not scent to hue 
Crown the pale year weak and new." 

Nestling amid the grasses on many a moist mesa by the 
sea, the modest flowers of the dog-violet may be found at 
almost any time of year. They vary greatly in the length of 
their stems, according to the season and the locality of growth. 

BEACH-ASTER. SEASIDE DAISY. 

Erigeron glaucus, Ker. Composite Family. 

Six to twelve inches high, having a tuft of radical leaves and some 
ascending stems. Leaves. — Obovate or spatulate-oblong; one to four 
inches long; pale; somewhat succulent; slightly viscid. Flower-heads. 
— Composed of dull-yellow disk-flowers and bright-violet ray-flowers. 
Disk. — Eight lines or so across. Rays. — Six or eight lines long; nar- 
row ; numerous ; in several rows. Hab. — The coast, from Oregon to 
southern California. 

Almost anywhere upon our Coast, "within the roar of a 
surf-tormented shore," we can find the beautiful blossoms of 
the beach-aster. We may know them by their resemblance to 
the China asters of our gardens, though they are not so large. 
They present a most delightful combination of color in their 
old-gold centers, violet rays, and rather pale foliage. 

THISTLE-SAGE. 

Salvia carduacea, Benth. Mint Family. 

Leaves. — All radical ; ' thistle-like ; with cobwebby wool. Stems. — 
Stout ; a foot or two high. Flower-whorls. — An inch or two through. 
Calyx. — Bilabiate ; with five spiny teeth. Corolla. — Lavender ; an inch 
long. Upper lip erect ; two-cleft. Lower fan-shaped ; white-fringed. 
Stamens. — On the lower lip. Proper filaments very short, with one 
short and one long fork, each bearing an anther-cell. (Otherwise like 
5. Columbarice.) Hab. — Western and southern California. 

Upon the dry, open plains of the south the charming 
flowers of the thistle-sage make their appearance by May. 
Upon the train we pass myriads of them standing along the 

312 




BEACH-ASTER— Erigeron glaucus. 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

embankments, and seeming to beckon mockingly at us, well 
knowing the train almost never stops where we can get them. 

These plants present the most remarkable blending of the 
rigid, uncompromising, touch-me-not aspect and the ethereal 
and fragile. In each of the several stories of the flower- 
cluster there are usually a number of the exquisitely delicate 
flowers in bloom at once, standing above the hemisphere of 
densely crowded, spiny calyx-tips. Nothing more airy or fan- 
tastic could well be imagined than these diaphanous blossoms. 
The upper lip of the corolla stands erect, its two lobes side by 
side, or crossed like two delicate little hands. The lower lip 
has two small and inconspicuous lateral lobes and one large 
central one, which is like the rufr of a fantail pigeon and 
daintily fringed with white. The color combination in these 
blossoms is charming. To the sage-green of the foliage and 
the lilac of the blossoms is added the dash of orange in the 
anthers that puts the finishing touch. The whole plant has a 
heavy, dull odor of sage. 

This species is also sometimes called "chia," and its seeds 
are used in the same manner as those of our other salvia, but 
to no such extent. 

VIOLET BEARD-TONGUE. 

Pentstemon heterophyllus, Lindl. Figwort Family. 

Woody at base ; many-stemmed. Stems. — Two to five feet tall. 
Leaves. — Lanceolate or linear ; or the lowest oblong-lanceolate ; dimin- 
ishing into narrow floral bracts. Panicle. — Narrow. Pedicels one- to 
three-flowered ; short and erect. Corolla. — Rose-purple, or violet suf- 
fused with pink; an inch or more long; ventricose- funnel- form above 
the narrow, slender tube. (See Pentstemon.) Hab. — Western Califor- 
nia, specially southward. 

The beautiful flowers of the violet beard-tongue are often 
seen among the soft browns of our dusty roadsides in early 
summer. They are truly charming flowers, and we marvel 
how any one can pass them by unnoticed. I have seen them 
especially showy in the southern part of the State, in Santa 
Barbara and Ventura counties, where the plants often spread 

3i4 




AZURE BEARD-TONGUE— Pentstemon azureus. 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

over two or three feet, sending up innumerable slender flower- 
covered wands. The undeveloped buds are of a characteristic 
greenish-yellow tone, making an unusual contrast to the ex- 
panded flowers and the rather pale foliage. The structure of 
the anthers is quite interesting, each cell consisting of a little 
bag with bristly margins, the two together being heart-shaped 
in outline. 

P. azureus, Benth., or the "azure beard-tongue," is very 
similar to the above, growing from one to three feet high ; but 
it is smooth and glaucous ; its leaves are inclined to have a 
broader base, and its flowers are usually larger, azure blue, 
approaching violet, sometimes having a red-purple tube, while 
its border is often an inch across. This is found throughout 
the State, but is more common in the interior and in the 
Sierras. Its buds are not yellow. 

WILD GINGER. 

Asarum caudatum, Lindl. Birthwort Family. 

Rootstocks. — Creeping; aboveground. Leaves. — Alternate; two to 
four inches long; heart-shaped; not mottled; shining green. Flowers. — 
Raisin-colored. Perianth. — With spherical tube and three long-pointed 
lobes, thirty lines long. Stamens. — Twelve. Filaments more or less 
coherent in groups, adherent to the styles, and produced beaklike beyond 
the anthers. Ovary. — Six-celled. Styles united ; equaling the < stamens. 
Hab. — The Coast Ranges, from Santa Cruz to British Columbia. 

The beautiful long-stemmed leaves of the wild ginger stand 
upon the borders of many a shaded canon stream, seeming to 
enjoy the gossiping of the brook as it gurgles by. The leaves 
and roots of these plants are aromatic, and the former when 
crushed emit a pleas'ant fragrance, similar to that of the cam- 
phor-laurel. The branching rootstocks, creeping along the 
surface of the ground, grow from their tips, which are swathed 
in the undeveloped silky leaves. 

In the spring a warm hue comes among these closely folded 
leaves, and presently a curious dull-colored bud begins to pro- 
trude its long tip from their midst. This bud looks as though 
some worm had eaten of! its end; but we soon see that its 

316 




WILD GINGER — Asarum caudatum. 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

blunt appearance is due to the fact that the long prongs of the 
sepals are neatly folded in upon themselves, like the jointed 
leg of an insect. It must require considerable force in the 
flower to unfurl them. When at length expanded, these blos- 
soms have the look of some rapacious, hobgoblin spider, lurk- 
ing for its prey. 

Another species, — A. Hartzvegi, Wats., — the "Sierra wild 
ginger," is easily distinguished from the above by its white- 
mottled leaves, which grow in clusters, and by its smaller 
flowers. It blooms later than the other, its flowers lasting into 
July. These plants are closely related to the "Dutchman's 
pipe." 

COMMON MILKWEED. SILKWEED. 

Asclepias Mexicana, Cav. Milkweed Family. 

Stems. — Three to five feet high ; slender. Leaves. — Mostly whorled 
and fascicled ; linear-lanceolate ; short-petioled ; two to six inches long. 
Peduncles. — Erect; slender; often in whorls. Flowers. — Very small 
and numerous ; in umbels ; white and lavender. Corolla-lobes. — Two 
lines long. Anthers. — Twice the filament column in length. Horns. — 
Awl-shaped ; arising from below the middle of the ovate hoods, and 
conspicuously curved over the stigma. Pods. — Slender ; spindle-shaped. 
(Structure otherwise as in Gomphocarpus.) Hab. — Throughout the 
State, and beyond its borders. 

This is one of our most widely distributed milkweeds, and 
may be found blossoming along our dusty roadsides and 
through the fields in early summer. Its stems are tall and 
wandlike, with long, narrow leaves, and its little blossoms are 
very trim. Its distaff-shaped pods, with their beautiful silken 
down, are familiar objects, much beloved by children, and are 
sought by older people, who utilize them in many dainty ways. 

Asclepias speciosa, Torr., the form common in the Yosemite 
Valley, is a tall plant with large opposite, ovate, sessile, some- 
what woolly leaves. Its leathery pods are interestingly poised 
on a curiously bent stem, giving them the look of some gro- 
tesque bird with large head and slender neck. Mr. Galen 
Clark tells us in his "Legends of the Yosemite" that the In- 
dians formerly made from the tough, flexible bark of this 

3i8 




COMMON MILKWEED— 'Asclepias Me* 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

plant a strong twine which they used for fish-lines and for 
the warp in their fur blankets. 

This plant is much admired in Europe, where it is cultivated 
under the name of A. Douglasii. 

FALSE INDIGO. LEAD-PLANT. 

Amorpha Calif ornica, Nutt. Pea Family. 
Shrubs three to over eight feet high. Leaves. — Mostly alternate ; 
with stipules; pinnate. Leaflets. — One inch long; five to nine or more 
pairs. Flower-spikes. — Two to six inches long. Flowers. — Black-purple ; 
two and a half lines long. Calyx. — Half as long. Corolla. — With only 
one petal! (the standard); this erect and folded. Stamens. — Slightly 
united at base ; exserted. Ovary. — One-celled. Pod. — Three lines long. 
(See Leguminosce.) Hab. — The Coast Ranges, from Marin County to 
San Diego. 

This shrub or small tree is remarkable for its sickeningly 
fragrant foliage. The small blossoms, taken individually, are 
inconspicuous, but when seen in masses, sprinkling the foliage 
with black and gold, they are quite effective. The generic name 
comes from the Greek word signifying deformed, in reference 
to the defective corolla. 

BLACK SAGE. BALL-SAGE. 

Audibertia stachyoides, Benth. Mint Family. 

Shrubby ; three to eight feet high ; with herbaceous flowering 
branches. Leaves. — Opposite ; oblong-lanceolate ; tapering into a petiole ; 
crenate. Flow.ers. — In interrupted spikes, having from three to nine 
dense, rather remote, headlike, bracteate whorls. Calyx. — Bilabiate ; 
each lip with two or three awned teeth. Corolla. — Lavender ; six lines 
long ; bilabiate. Upper lip erect ; emarginate ; lower deflexed ; three- 
lobed. Stamens. — Two sterile; two perfect on jointed filaments. Ovary. 
— Of four seedlike nutlets. Style slender. Stigma two-cleft. Hab. — 
From San Francisco Bay to San Diego. 

We have but two or three true sages, or salvias, in Cali- 
fornia ; but the plants of the closely allied genus Audibertia 
are with perfect propriety called sages, as they manifest all the 
characteristics of that genus, differing only in the structure of 
the stamens. There are a number of species of Audibertia, 
all of them important honey-plants. They are particularly 
abundant in the south, where they form a characteristic feature 
in the landscape, often covering whole hill-slopes. 

320 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

A. stachyoides frequently forms dense thickets over vast 
reaches of mountain-sides, and when in full bloom is very 
noticeable. Its specific name is a happy one, denoting its 
resemblance to the stachys, or hedge-nettle. But its pointed 
leaves, shrubby habit, and rank odor, together with its more 
numerous flower-whorls, proclaim its separate identity. 

A. nivea, Benth., found from Santa Barbara to San Diego, 
has larger spikes of rich, warm lilac flowers. Nothing could 
be more charming than the soft lavender billows of it undu- 
lating over slope after slope of wild mountain-side. 

CALIFORNIA LOBELIA. 

Bolelia pulchella, Greene. Lobelia Family. 

Stems. — Three to six inches high. Leaves. — Alternate ; sessile ; linear ; 
obtuse ; passing into flower-bracts above. Flowers. — Racemose ; blue. 
Calyx-tube. — Very long and slender; adnate to the ovary; its limb 
of five slender divisions. Corolla. — With short tube and bilabiate bor- 
der. The smaller lip of two narrow spreading or recurved divisions ; 
the larger three-lobed ; broader than long ; nine or ten lines by five 
or six lines. All the lobes intense blue ; the large centers mostly white. 
Stamens. — Five; united into a curved tube. Capsule. — Splitting at the 
sides. Syn. — Downingia pulchella, Torr. Hab. — Nearly throughout the 
State. 

These little lobeliaceous plants are very common, especially 
upon the plains of the interior, and may be found growing in 
wet places, where they often make the ground blue. The 
showy, white-centered flowers are familiar along the roadsides 
upon the borders of puddles. The blossoms, which are really 
stemless, appear to have stems of considerable length, owing 
to the very long, slender ovary and calyx-tube. They are 
cultivated for ornament under the name of Clint onia pulchella. 

We have one other species in the northern part of the 
State. It is a larger plant, sometimes a foot tall, with ovate to 
lanceolate leaves. This is B. elegans, Torr. 

BLUE-CURLS. VINEGAR-WEED. 

Trichostema lance olatum, Benth. Mint Family. 

Glandular and pubescent weeds one or two feet high ; branching from 
the base. Leaves. — Opposite ; sessile ; crowded ; lanceolate or ovate- 
lanceolate ; gradually acuminate ; densely pubescent ; several-nerved ; an 

321 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

inch or more long. Flowers. — Blue ; in axillary, short-peduncled, dense 
clusters. _ Calyx. — Five-cleft. Corolla. — Six lines long; with filiform 
tube, which is bent abruptly downward and backward upon itself, 
and five-lobed border. Stamens. — Four; of two lengths. Filaments 
filiform ; spirally coiled in bud, but long-exserted and curving upward 
in flower. Ovary. — Of four seedlike nutlets. Style long; filiform; two- 
cleft at the tip. Hab. — Throughout western California. 

Of all the plants of our acquaintance, the common blue- 
curls is the most aggressive and ill-smelling. Its odor is posi- 
tively sickening. Some years ago, when it was first new to 
me, I brought some of it down from Sonoma County upon the 
train, and, even though it had been carefully wrapped, I was 
obliged to deposit it in the wood-box, as far as possible from 
the passengers. 

The generic name comes from two Greek words, signifying 
hair and stamen, and was bestowed on account of the capil- 
lary filaments. The common name also refers to the long, 
curling blue stamens. 

This species blossoms late in summer, and grows upon very 

dry ground, where it seems almost a miracle for any plant to 

thrive. 

ROMERO. WOOLLY BLUE-CURLS. 

Trichostema lanatum, Benth. Mint Family. 

Shrubby; two to five feet high. Leaves. — Opposite and fascicled 
in the axils ; an inch or so long ; green above ; white-woolly beneath. 
Flowers. — Blue; in terminal clusters sometimes a foot long; covered 
with dense violet wool. Calyx. — Five-toothed. Corolla. — Nearly an 
inch long; with tube half its length and border violet-shaped. Stamens 
and style. — Two inches long. Ovary. — Of four seedlike nutlets. Hab. 
— From San Diego to Santa Barbara. 

When the first scorching winds of the desert have withered 
and laid low the lovely flowers of the southern plains, the 
romero is just coming into bloom upon dry hillsides. Its 
shrubby form, with densely crowded leaves, becomes conspicu- 
ous by reason of its long spikes of purple-woolly buds and 
blossoms. This inflorescence is an exquisite thing, more like 
the production of a Paris milliner than a guileless creation of 
nature. The individual blossoms have much the look of alert 
little blue violets wearing long, elegant lilac aigrets. Both leaf 

322 




ROMERO — Trichostema lanatiu 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

and flower have a pleasant aromatic fragrance, entirely unlike 
the dreadful odor of the common blue-curls. 

Among the Spanish-Californians it is known altogether by 
the musical name of "romero," and is one of their most 
highly valued medicinal herbs, being considered a panacea for 
many troubles. Fried in olive oil, it becomes an ointment 
which alleviates pain and cures ulcers ; dried and reduced to 
powder, it is a snuff very efficacious for catarrh ; and made 
into a tincture, it is used as a liniment. This plant is also 
sometimes called "black sage." 

HARVEST BRODL2EA. LARGE-FLOWERED BRODLEA. 

Brodicea grandiHora, Smith. Lily Family. 

Corm. — Fibrous-coated. Leaves. — Narrowly linear ; somewhat cylin- 
drical. Scape. — Four to twelve inches high. Pedicels. — Three to ten, 
rarely one ; unequal. Perianth. — Violet ; waxen ; ten to twenty lines 
long ; broadly funnel-form ; six-cleft ; lobes recurving. Stamens. — Three ; 
opposite the inner segments. Staminodia. — Three ; strap-shaped ; entire ; 
white ; erect ; about equaling the stamens. Ovary. — Sessile ; three-celled. 
Style stout. Stigma three-lobed. Hab. — From Ventura to the British 
boundary in the Coast Ranges and Sierras. 

In the latter part of May and early in June, just as the grain 
is mellowing in the fields, the dry grasses of our hill-slopes and 
roadsides begin to reveal the beautiful blossoms of the "harvest 
brodisea." Seen at its best, this is one of our finest species. 
It sends up a scape a foot high, bearing from five to ten of the 
large lily-like, violet flowers. They are somewhere described 
as varying to rose. I have never seen them of this color, 
though a flash of them caught when riding by a field is often 
suggestive of a pink flower. 

These plants vary considerably in size, in some localities 
blooming when but an inch or two high, and in others having 
their tall scape crowned with as many as ten of the fine blos- 
soms. These have their segments nerved with brown upon the 
outside. The clear-white stamens stand opposite the outer seg- 
ments, alternating with the white staminodia. The leaves have 
dried away before the coming of the blossoms. 

324 




HARVEST BRODIJEA—Brodiaa grandiilora. 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

B. terrestris, KelL, common throughout central California, 
is always found in sandy soil. Its perianth is less than an inch 
long, and its staminodia are yellow, with inrolled edges. This 
is clearly distinguished by these characteristics, added to the 
fact that its flower-cluster has no common stalk or scape, but 
seems to sit upon the ground, giving the separate flowers the 
appearance of coming from the ground. 

VIOLET SNAPDRAGON. 

Antirrhinum vagans, Gray. Figwort Family. 

Herbs with prehensile branchlets. Leaves. — Alternate ; short-oetioled ; 
lanceolate to oblong-ovate ; entire ; an inch long. Flowers. — Six lines 
long ; lavender. Sepals. — Five ; upper one large, oblong ; the others 
small, linear. Stamens. — Four ; in pairs ; on the corolla. Filaments 
slender. Anthers with two diverging cells. Ovary. — Two-celled. Style 
awl-shaped. Hab. — Throughout the western part of the State. 

When the first dryness of summer is beginning to make 
itself felt, the tall wandlike sprays of the little lilac snapdragon 
begin to appear along our dusty roadsides. A curious feature 
of this plant is to be found in the long threadlike branchlets 
produced in the axils of the leaves. These are like so many 
little arms, apparently waving about in aimless abandon, but in 
reality vigilant of any opportunity to grasp some convenient 
object of support. 

Another species — A. glandulosum, Lindl. — is common from 
Santa Cruz southward. This may be known by its pink and 
yellow flowers, its very viscid, leafy stems, three to five feet 
tall, and its lack of prehensile branchlets. This has somewhat 
more the look of the familiar garden species. Its anthers are 
arranged like teeth in the roof of its mouth, and the children, 
by slightly pinching the sides of its funny little countenance, 
can make it open its mouth in quite a formidable manner. 

Sir John Lubbock, writing of the fertilization of flowers, 
says of our large garden species: — "Thus the Antirrhinum, or 
snapdragon,' is completely closed, and only a somewhat power- 
ful insect can force its way in. The flower is in fact a strong- 
box, of which the humble-bee only has the key." 

326 




\jcf 



VIOLET SNAPDRAGON — Antirrhinum vagans. 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

CALIFORNIA HAREBELL. BELLFLOWER. 

Campanula prenanthoides, Durand. Harebell or Campanula Family. 

Stems. — Several inches to two feet high. Leaves. — Alternate ; ovate- 
oblong to lanceolate ; one inch or less long. Flowers. — Blue ; on 
recurved pedicels. Calyx. — Growing to the ovary below ; with five awl- 
shaped teeth. Corolla. — Five to eight lines long; with short tube and 
slender, spreading, recurved lobes. Stamens. — Five. Ovary. — Three- 
to five-celled. Style club-shaped ; much exserted. Stigma becoming 
three-lobed. Hab. — Coast woods from Monterey to Mendocino County, 
and through the northern Sierras. 

The fragile blossoms of the harebell lurk in the seclusion of 

our cool canons or peer down at us from the banks of shaded 

mountain roads toward the end of July. We almost wonder 

that this ethereal flower dares delay its coming so long when 

outside its cool retreat all is parched and dry. Owing to its 

deeply slashed corolla, it has a more airy and delicate aspect 

than its English sister, the harebell, so often celebrated by the 

poets. 

SELF-HEAL. HEAL-ALL. 

Brunella vulgaris, L. Mint Family. 

Stems. — Six to fifteen inches high. Leaves. — Opposite ; petioled ; 
ovate or oblong. Flowers. — In a dense, short spike, with broad, leafy 
bracts ; purple, violet, or rarely white. Calyx. — Bilabiate ; upper lip 
with three short teeth ; the lower two-cleft. Corolla. — Bilabiate ; upper 
lip arched, entire; lower three-lobed ; deflexed. Stamens. — Four; in 
pairs. Filaments two-forked ; one fork naked, the other bearing the 
two-celled anther. Ovary. — Of four seedlike nutlets. Style filiform ; 
two-cleft above. Hab. — Widely distributed over the northern hemi- 
sphere. 

From April to July the blossoms of the self-heal, or heal-all, 
may be found in the borders of woods or in open grounds. 

The generic name is thought to come from the old German 
word, braunc, a disease of the throat, for which this plant was 
believed to be a cure. According to the old doctrine of signa- 
tures, plants by their appearance were supposed to indicate 
the diseases for which nature intended them as remedies, and 
in England the Brunella was considered particularly efficacious 
in the disorders of carpenters and common laborers, because 
its corolla resembled a bill-hook. Hence it was commonly 
called ''carpenter's herb," "hook-heal," and "sicklewort." 

328 




CALIFORNIA HAREBELL — Campanula prenanthoides. 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

PENNYROYAL. POLEO. 

Monardella villosa, Benth. Mint Family. 
Stems. — Woody ; branching from below ; a foot or two high. Leaves. 
— An inch or less long; toothed or entire; veins conspicuous. Flowers. 
— White to deep lilac ; in a dense head subtended by a number of ovate, 
green bracts. Calyx. — Tubular; five-toothed; four lines long. Corolla. 
— Nine lines long; with filiform tube and bilabiate border. Upper lip 
two-cleft; lower cleft into three linear divisions. Stamens. — Four; in 
pairs ; exserted. Anther-cells divergent. Ovary. — Of four seedlike nut- 
lets. Hab. — Throughout the State ; common. 

Owing to their resemblance to the Monarda, or horse-mint 
of the East, these Western plants have been given the diminu- 
tive of its name — Monardella. 

In early summer the blossoms, which are generally purple, 
are conspicuous in our drying woods. The herbage is pleas- 
antly fragrant. The more hairy form, which suggested the 
specific name, is found in the south. 

Another species, — M. lanceolata, Gray, — common in the Sier- 
ras and south to San Diego, is a very handsome plant with 
lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, entire leaves, an inch or two 
long, and having its bright rose-colored or purple corollas 
sometimes dark-spotted. This is known among the Spanish- 
Californians as "poleo" (pennyroyal), and is valued as a rem- 
edy for various ailments. 

M. odoratissima, Benth., found abundantly in the Sierras, 
and known as "wild pennyroyal," is a bushy, many-stemmed 
plant, whose flowers usually have a faded lavender hue. But 
the plant is exceedingly fragrant, perfuming the air all about. 

SQUAW'S CARPET. MAHALA MATS. 

Ceanothus prostratus, Benth. Buckthorn Family. 
Hardy, evergreen, trailing shrubs, carpeting the ground. Leaves. — 
Opposite; short-petioled ; obovate or spatulate; cuneate; leathery; sev- 
eral-toothed above ; three to twelve lines long. Flowers. — Violet-blue ; 
in loose clusters on stout peduncles. Fruit. — With thick, often red, 
flesh ; with three large wrinkled, somewhat spreading horns from near 
the apex, and low intermediate crests. (See Ceanothus.) Hab. — The 
Sierras and northern Coast Ranges. 

Upon half-shaded slopes in the Sierras, where great firs rear 
their noble shafts, forming an open forest, this little trailing 

330 




PENNYROYAL— Monardella villosa. 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

shrub makes a clean, delightfully springy carpet underfoot. 
Early in the season it is an exquisite thing, when sprinkled with 
its feathery clusters of violet-blue flowers, and it is no less 
attractive in late summer, when its odd scarlet fruit studs the 
rich green foliage. 

The children of our mountain districts know it as "squaw's 
carpet" and "mahala mats." Among the Digger Indians the 
word "Mahala" is applied as a title of respect to all the women 
of the tribe indiscriminately, and they always refer to one 
another as "Mahala Sally," "Mahala Nancy," etc. 

LUCERN. ALFALFA. CHILEAN CLOVER. 

Medicago sativa, L. Pea Family. 

Perennials, with roots sometimes reaching down eight or ten feet. 
Stems. — Two to four feet high. Leaflets. — Three ; toothed above. 
Flowers. — Violet. Calyx. — Five-toothed. Corolla. — Papilionaceous ; six 
lines long. Stamens. — Nine united; one free. Pod. — Spirally coiled; 
without spines. Hab. — Usually escaped from cultivation. 

The value of this little plant has been known for many cen- 
turies. It was introduced into Greece from Media, whence it 
received the name "medicago," and was cultivated several 
centuries before Christ. It has reached us through Mexico 
and Chile, where it is called "alfalfa" and "Chilean clover." 

It is but sparingly naturalized among us, but on account of 
its very nutritious herbage it is largely cultivated for feed. Its 
very deep root enables it to seek moisture from perennial 
sources, and to thus withstand the dryness of our summers. 
It requires considerable care to start the plants ; but once 
established, the roots will continue under favorable circum- 
stances to produce crops of herbage almost indefinitely. When 
grown upon good soil and irrigated, it will yield several crops 
a year. When cured for hay, it is cut just before flowering. 
But it is of greatest value for feeding green to dairy cows and 
other animals. An alfalfa field is a beautiful and grateful sight 
amid the drouth of our late summer. In Chile sprays of this 
plant are laid about in the houses to drive away fleas. 

332 




ALFALFA — Medicago sathu 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

ACONITE. MONK'S-HOOD. FRIAR'S-CAP. BLUEWEED. 

Aconitum Columbianum, Nutt. Buttercup or Crowfoot Family. 

Stems. — Two to six feet high. Leaves. — Alternate ; palmately three- 
to five-cleft, three to five inches across. Flowers. — From blue to almost 
white ; in a terminal cluster. Sepals. — Five ; petaloid ; very irregular ; 
the upper one helmet-shaped. Petals. — Two to five; the upper two 
stamen-like, concealed within the helmet; the lower three minute or 
obsolete. Stamens. — Numerous. Filaments short. Pistils. — Usually 
three; becoming divergent follicles. Syn: — A. Fischeri, Reichb. Hab. — 
The Sierras and the northern Coast Ranges. 

The blossoms of the monk's-hood, or aconite, may be found 
with those of the tall blue larkspur and the little alpine lily 
along our mountain streams in late summer. Owing to the 
shape of the upper sepal, these flowers have received several 
of their common names, such as "helmet-flower," "friar's-cap," 
and "monk's-hood." 

The genus Aconitum has been known from remote times 
and noted for the poisonous qualities of its species. From the 
roots and leaves of A. napellus, the officinal species, supposed 
to be native of Britain, is made the powerful drug, aconite. 
Our own species is also poisonous, and among the mountaineers 
it is called "blueweed," and remembered only for its disastrous 
effect upon their sheep, who are sometimes driven to eat it 
when other feed is scarce. The helmet varies greatly in breadth 
and length. 

TALL MOUNTAIN LARKSPUR. 

Delphinium scopulorum, var. glaucum, Gray. 
Buttercup or Crowfoot Family. 

Mostly smooth ; more or less glaucous. Stems. — Two to six feet 
high. Leaves. — Palmately five- to seven-parted ; the divisions slashed 
into sharp-pointed lobes. Flowers. — Blue; in narrow, slender racemes; 
on rather short, slender pedicels. Sepals. — Rather narrow ; six lines 
long or less; minutely tomentose. Spur crapy; rather slender. Ovaries. 
—Smooth. (Flower-structure as in D. nudicaule.) Syn. — D. scopu- 
lorum, Gray. Hab. — The Sierras, at about six thousand feet; from the 
San Bernardino Mountains to the Yukon River. 

By July and August the slender spires of the tall mountain 
larkspur are conspicuous along the watercourses of the Sierras, 

334 




MONK'S-HOOD — Aconitum Columbianum. 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

where they are usually found in the company of their near 
relatives, the monk's-hoods and the gay scarlet columbines. 
A ramble down one of these mountain streams affords a suc- 
cession of most delightful surprises. Willow copses, alternating 
with tangles of larkspur, great willow-herb, and monk's-hood, 
are followed by open, velvety meadows, starred by white and 
blue daisies, or diversified by the pure spikes of the milk-white 
rein-orchis, or the lovely blossoms of the pink mimulus ; while 
further down, the stream perchance suddenly narrows and 
deepens, flowing by some jutting rock-wall, resplendent with 
crimson pentstemons or brilliant sulphur-flowers. 



BLUE GENTIAN. 

Gentiana calycosa, Griseb. Gentian Family. 

Stems. — Six to twelve inches high. Leaves. — Eighteen lines to less 
than an inch long. Flowers. — Deep, rich blue. Corolla. — An inch or 
two long ; plaited into folds between the lobes ; the sinuses with two 
long, tooth-like appendages; the lobes green-dotted. Stamens. — Five; 
alternate with the corolla-lobes. Filaments flattened and adnate to the 
corolla below. Ovary. — One-celled. Style awl-shaped. Stigma two- 
lobed. Hab. — The Sierras. 

This genus was named for Gentius, an ancient king of Illy- 
ria, who is said to have discovered the medicinal virtues of 
these plants. The drug called "gentian," a bitter tonic, is 
made from the root of a German species, — G. lutea, — with yel- 
low flowers. 

All the gentians are natives of the cooler portions of the 
world, inhabiting northern latitudes and mountain heights. 
We have several fine species, which are found in the Sierras 
and the northern Coast Ranges. 

G. calycosa is a truly beautiful flower, rivaling the sky with 
its deep-blue blossoms, which are to be found in the fall in 
many an alpine meadow, called by Mr. Muir "gentian- 
meadows." 



336 




BLUE GENTIAN— Gentiana calycosa. 



BLUE AND PURPLE 

COMMON ASTER. 

Aster Chamissonis, Gray. Composite Family. 

Stems. — Two to five feet high ; loosely branching. Leaves. — Alter- 
nate ; sessile; lanceolate; three to six inches long; the upper becoming 
small or minute. Flower-heads. — Five or six lines long; composed of 
yellow disk-flowers and violet or purple rays. Rays. — Twenty to twenty- 
five ; half an inch long. Involucre. — Campanulate ; of many small im- 
bricated scales. Hab. — Throughout California. 

We have not as many species of Aster as are found in the 
Eastern States, but we have some very beautiful ones. A. 
Chamissonis is one of our commonest and most wide-spread 
species. Its blossoms begin to appear in late summer and lin- 
ger along through the fall. Many species of Erigeron (very 
closely allied to Aster) are called "asters" among us, and 
comprise some of our most charming flowers. These are 
found chiefly in the mountains, though E. glaucus is found 
upon the sea-beach and ocean cliffs. 



LAVENDER MOUNTAIN DAISY. 

Erigeron salsuginosus, Gray. Composite Family. 

Stems. — A foot or two high. Radical and lower leaves. — Spatulate 
to nearly obovate; tapering into a margined petiole. Upper leaves. — 
Ovate-oblong to lanceolate ; sessile. Uppermost leaves. — Small and 
bract-like. Flower-heads. — Solitary ; large ; of yellow disk-flowers and 
lavender rays. -Disk. — Over half an inch across. Rays. — Fifty to sev- 
enty; six lines or more long; rather wide. Bracts of the involucre. — 
Numerous ; loosely spreading. Syn. — Aster salsuginosus, Richardson. 
Hab. — Sierra meadows, at an altitude of from six to ten thousand feet. 

Of all the beautiful flowers of the Sierras, not one lingers so 
fondly in the memory, after our return to the lowlands, as this 
exquisite lavender daisy. Late in the summer it stars the 
alpine meadows with its charming flowers, or stands in sociable 
companies on those natural velvet lawns of the mountains. It 
resembles the feathery, white mountain daisy, and grows in the 
same region ; but its rays are wider and give the blossoms a 
somewhat more substantial look. 



338 




COMMON ASTER— Aster Char 



BLUE AND PURPLE 



MOUNTAIN BLUEBELLS. SMOOTH LUNGWORT. 

Mertensia Siberica, Don. Borage Family. 

Smooth, rather succulent, herbs, a foot or more high. Leaves. — 
xA.lternate ; ovate-lanceolate or oblong ; two to five inches long ; minute- 
ly ciliate. Flowers. — Nodding. Calyx. — Five-parted. Corolla. — Salver- 
form or somewhat funnel-form, with rounded lobes ; half an inch or 
less long; blue. Stamens. — Five; exserted. Filaments broader than 
the anthers. Ovary. — Four-lobed. Style filiform exserted. Stigma 
minutely capitate. Fruit. — Four wrinkled nutlets. Hab. — The Sierras. 

The handsome blossoms of the mountain bluebell are to be 
found along water-courses at considerable elevations. These 
are not true bluebells, or campanulas, but belong to the genus 
Mertensia of the Borage family. Plants of this genus are com- 
monly called "smooth lungwort" to distinguish them from the 
rough plants of the genus Pulmonaria, or common lungwort. 



340 



V. RED 

Red or occasionally or partially red flowers not described in 
the Red Section. 

Described in the Yellow Section: — 
Anagallis arvensis — Pimpernel. 
Meconopsis heterophylla — Wind- Poppy. 
Diplacus glutinosus — Sticky Monkey-Flower. 
Dudleya pulverulenta ( Syn. — Cotyledon pulverulenta.) 
Opuntia Engelmanni — Prickly Pear. 

Described in the Pink Section: — 

Lonicera conjugialis — Bush Honeysuckle. 



341 



RED 



INDIAN WARRIOR. 

Pedicularis densiflora, Benth. Figwort Family. 

Root woody. Stems. — Six to twenty inches high. Leaves. — Alter- 
nate ; oblong-lanceolate ; pinnate ; leaflets lobed and toothed ; diminish- 
ing into the flower-bracts. Calyx. — Campanulate ; five-toothed. Corolla. 
— Club-shaped, bent downward above the calyx and oblique to it ; one 
inch long ; the two upper lobes united and containing the stamens ; 
the three lower mere teeth. Stamens. — Four. Style filiform; exserted. 
Ovary. — Two-celled. Hab. — Throughout western California. 

These blossoms, which come early in the season, seem 
"warmed with the new wine of the year." They often stand 
in little companies in openings among the trees, and the rays 
of the afternoon sun slanting in upon them brighten and vivify 
them into a rich, warm claret-color. The leaves, finely dis- 
sected, like certain fern-fronds, are often of a bronze tone, 
which harmonizes finely with the flowers. 

To the casual observer, this flower resembles the Indian 
paint-brush. In reality, it belongs to a closely allied genus. 
But in this blossom the bracts do not constitute the brilliant 
part of the inflorescence, and the calyx, instead of being the 
showy, sheathing envelop it is in the paint-brush, is quite small 
and inconspicuous. 

Mrs. Blochman has quaintly and aptly alluded to the corolla 
of this flower as a long and slender mitten, just fit for some 
high-born fairy's hand. 

Among the children of our mountain districts this flower is 
known as "Indian warrior." 



342 




INDIAN WARRIOR— Pedicularis densifiora. 



RED 

WILD GOOSEBERRY. 

Ribcs Menziesii, Pursh. Saxifrage Family. 

Shrubs two to six feet high, with naked glandular-bristly or prickly 
branches and stout triple thorns under the fascicled leaves. Peduncles. 
— With one or two drooping, fuchsia-like flowers. Calyx. — Half an 
inch long ; garnet ; the five oblong lobes somewhat longer than the 
tube, but hardly longer than the stamens, which surpass the five white 
petals with inrolled edges. Styles exserted. Anthers sagittate. Berry. 
< — Four to six lines in diameter ; thickly covered with long prickles. 
(Otherwise as Ribes glutinosum.) Hab. — From San Diego to Hum- 
boldt County; also in the Sierras. 

The wild gooseberry, considered as a fruit, is very disap- 
pointing, as its large, prickly berries are composed mostly of 
skin and seeds. But as an ornamental shrub it is very pleas- 
ing. In February its long, thorny branches are densely clothed 
with small but rich green leaves, under which hang the perfect 
little miniature red-and-white fuchsias. 

A closely allied species — R. sitbvcstitnm, Hook, and Arn. — 
has long exserted filaments and glandular-prickly berries. 

FUCHSIA-FLOWERED GOOSEBERRY. 

Ribes speciosum, Pursh. Saxifrage Family. 

Shrubs six to ten feet high, with spreading branches, armed with 
large triple thorns. Leaves. — Evergreen ; three- to five-lobed ; an inch 
or so long. Flowers. — Bright cardinal ; an inch long. Calyx. — Petaloid ; 
its tube adnate to the ovary; the limb is usually five-cleft (sometimes 
four). Petals— ^On the sinuses of the calyx. Stamens. — As many as 
the petals ; twice the length of the calyx. Ovary. — One-celled. Style 
two-cleft. Fruit. — A dry, densely glandular berry. Hab. — From Mon- 
terey to San Diego. 

One of the most charming shrubs to be found in the south- 
ern part of the State is the fuchsia-flowered gooseberry. Early 
in the season the long sprays of its spreading branches are 
thickly hung with the beautiful drooping cardinal flowers, 
which gleam against the rich green of the glossy leaves. The 
stems often rival the flowers in brilliance of coloring, but they 
harbor a multitude of formidable thorns which serve to cool 
our impetuous desire to possess ourselves of the blossoms. 
Though far more brilliant than the flowers of R. subvestitum, 

344 




FUCHSIA-FLOWERED GOOSEBERRY— Ribes 



speciosum. 



RED 

these are not so truly counterparts in miniature of the garden 
fuchsia as they. 

WILD PEONY. 

Pceonia Brownii, Dougl. Buttercup or Crowfoot Family. 

Coarse, leathery herbs, with woody roots. Stems. — Stout ; branched ; 
ten to eighteen inches high. Leaves. — Alternate ; once- or twice- 
ternately compound ; the leaflets ternately lobed. Flowers. — Solitary. 
Sepals. — Green ; often with leaflike appendages. Petals. — Five to ten ; 
dark red. Stamens. — Numerous. Pistils.— Two to five ; becoming 
leathery follicles. Hab. — Almost throughout California. 

Our wild peony, which is the only species of North America, 
grows through a wide range of territory, from the hot plains 
of the south to the region of perpetual snow in the mountains 
of the north. As might be expected, it manifests considerable 
variation in form and character. Indeed, some authors have 
thought these variations sufficiently marked to warrant the 
division of the species into two. 

After the first rains in the south, the plant pushes up its 
broad, scarlet-tipped leaves, and by January, or earlier, pro- 
duces its flowers, which are deep red, shading almost into 
black, an inch or so across, and quite fragrant. These blos- 
soms are at first erect ; but as the seed-vessels mature, the 
stems begin to droop, till the fruit rests upon the ground. 

The Spanish-Californians consider the thick root an excel- 
lent remedy for dyspepsia, when eaten raw ; while the Indians 
of the south use it, powdered or made into a decoction, for 
colds, sore throat, etc. In the north its leaves are reputed to 
be poisonous to the touch. 

In some localities, it is known as "Christmas-rose," and in 
others the children call its dark, round flowers "nigger-heads." 
In the mountains it blossoms in June and July near snow-banks. 
There, as it emerges from the ground, its shoots and the under 
surfaces of its leaves are of a rich wine-color, which makes a 
charming combination with the olive tones of its leaf-surfaces. 
During the early stages of its growth it is liable to frequent 
covering by the snow, but it always emerges undaunted. 

346 




WILD PEONY— Poeonia B, 



RED 

CALIFORNIA FIGWORT. CALIFORNIA BEE-PLANT. 

Scrophularia Calif omic a, Cham. Figwort Family. 

Stems. — Two to five feet high ; angled. Leaves. — Oblong-ovate or 
oblong-triangular ; two or more inches long. Flowers.~r-Sm.all ; dull 
red; three to five lines long; in loose terminal panicles. Calyx. — Five- 
lobed. Corolla. — Bilabiate; upper lip four-lobed ; lower of one lobe. 
Stamens. — Four perfect; in pairs; and a fifth scalelike, rudimentary one. 
Ovary. — Two-celled. Style exserted. Hab. — Almost throughout the State. 

The tall stems of the California figwort are common along 
roadsides, and become especially rank and luxuriant where the 
soil has been freshly stirred. The plants are so plentiful and 
so plebeian in appearance, that we are apt to class them in the 
category of weeds ; but the fact that their little corollas are 
almost always stored abundantly with honey for the bees, saves 
them from this reproachful title. 

They are cultivated by the keepers of bees. The odd little 
dull-red or greenish flowers have a knowing look, which is en- 
hanced by two of the stamens, which project just over the lower 
rim of the corolla, like the front teeth of some tiny rodent. 

FALSE ALUM-ROOT. FRINGE-CUPS. 

Tellima grandiHora, R. Br. Saxifrage Family. 

Radical leaves. — Long-petioled. Stem-leaves. — With shorter petioles ; 
round-cordate ; variously lobed and toothed ; very hairy, with coarse, 
bristle-like hairs; two to four inches across. Stems. — One to three feet 
high. Flowers.— In long racemes ; on short pedicels ; green or rose- 
color. Calyx. — Campanulate ; five-toothed ; ribbed ; three to six lines 
long; adnate to the ovary below. Petals. — Five; short-clawed; slashed 
above; two or three lines long; on the calyx. Stamens. — Ten; very 
short. Ovary. — One-celled ; with a disklike summit, tapering into two 
stout styles with large capitate stigmas. Hab. — From Santa Cruz to 
Alaska. 

This plant closely resembles the alum-root in habit and 

appearance, and its leaves are prettily blotched in the same 

manner. It grows along rich banks by shaded roads, and 

blooms from early spring onward. Its tall racemes of either 

rose-colored or greenish, obscure flowers look rather like the 

promise of something to come than a present fulfillment. The 

petals are small and inconspicuous at a distance ; but when 

348 




CALIFORNIA BEE-PLANT— Scrophularia California. 



RED 

closely examined, reveal a delicacy and beauty of form entirely 
unsuspected. 

INDIAN PAINT-BRUSH. SCARLET PAINT-BRUSH. 

Cast ill cia latifolia, Hook, and Arn. Figwort Family. 

Hairy, at least above ; six inches to two feet high. Leaves. — Lacin- 
iate-cleft or incised; sometimes entire; two inches or so long; mostly 
alternate. Flowers. — With conspicuous colored bracts. Calyx. — Tubu- 
lar ; about equally cleft before and behind ; tinged with scarlet or yellow. 
Corolla. — Tubular ; six lines to over an inch long ; the upper lip equal- 
ing the tube ; the lower very short ; three-toothed ; the whole tinged 
with red or yellow. Stamens. — Four ; inclosed in the upper lip. Ovary. 
— Two-celled. Style long; exserted. Hab. — The coast and vicinity, 
from Mendocino County to Monterey. 

Scarlet flowers are so rare, and nature is so chary of that 
beautiful hue, that these blossoms are especially welcome. 
Their dense tufts make brilliant dashes of color, which are very 
noticeable amid the vivid greens of springtime. Strange to 
say, most of their brilliancy is due not to the corollas, but to the 
large petal-like bracts under the flowers and to the calyxes. 

In the vicinity of the seashore these blossoms may be found 
at almost any time of the year, while inland they have their 
season of bloom in the spring, resting for the most part during 
the summer. 

We have many species of Castilleia, closely resembling one 
another. In mountain meadows several are very abundant. 

They are known in some localities as "Indian plume." 

C. latifolia is in every way a larger and more showy flower 
than the closely allied species, C. coccinea, Spreng., of the East, 
commonly but most inappropriately known as "painted cup." 

C. foliolosa, Hook, and Arn., may be easily recognized by 
its white-woolly stems and foliage. 

SCARLET FRITILLARY. 

Fritillaria recurva, Benth. Lily Family. 

Bulb as in F. lanceolata. Stems. — Eight to eighteen inches high ; 
one- to nine-flowered. Flowers. — Scarlet outside ; yellow, spotted with 
scarlet, within. Perianth. — Campanulate ; urn-shaped. Segments. — 
Twelve to eighteen lines long; with recurved tips. Stamens and style. 

350 




INDIAN PAINT-BRUSH— Castilleia latifolia. 



I 



RED 

Not quite equaling the segments. Capsule. — Rather obtusely angled. 
(Otherwise as F. lanccolata.) Hab. — The Sierras, from Placer County 
northward into Oregon. 

The scarlet fritillary is, without doubt, one of the most beau- 
tiful of all our species. It usually has from one to nine blos- 
soms on the stalk, but it has been known to have as many as 
thirty-five ! These flowers are somewhat baffling to the young 
botanist, who is apt to believe them to be some species of 
lily. And, indeed, he is not far wrong, as the two genera are 
very closely allied. They may, however, be distinguished 
easily when we remember that in Fritillaria the style is often 
three-cleft and the perianth segments have a circular honey- 
bearing gland or pit and the flowers are medium in size ; while 
in Lilium the style is entire, the nectary is in the form of a 
lengthened groove, and the flowers are, with two exceptions 
in our flora, very large and showy. 

F. coccinea, Greene, is another beautiful scarlet-and-yellow 
species, found in the mountains of Sonoma and Napa counties. 
This has from one to four flowers, which are an inch long, with 
simple campanulate outline, without recurving tips. 

NORTHERN SCARLET LARKSPUR. 
CHRISTMAS-HORNS. 

Delphinium nudicaule, Torr. and Gray. Buttercup or Crowfoot Family. 

Stems.— A foot or two high ; naked or very few-leaved. Leaves. — 
One to three inches in diameter ; deeply three- to five-cleft, or barely 
parted into obovate or cuneate divisions. Flowers. — Scarlet; in loose, 
open racemes ; on pedicels two to four inches long. Sepals. — Five ; 
petaloid; the upper prolonged upward into a spur containing the 
smaller spurs of the two upper petals. Spur six to nine lines long. 
Petals. — Usually four; the two lateral small, not spurred. Stamens. — 
Many. Pistils. — Mostly three ; becoming divergent follicles. Hab. — 
The Coast Ranges from San Luis Obispo to Oregon. 

Though not so intensely brilliant and striking as the south- 
ern scarlet larkspur, this is a delightful flower, the sight of 
which gracing some rocky canon-wall or making flecks of flame 
amid the grass, gives us a thrill of pleasure. It would require 
no great stretch of the imagination to fancy these blossoms a 

352 




NORTHERN SCARLET LARKSPUR— Delphinium nudicaule. 



RED 

company of pert little red-coated elves clambering over the 
loose, slender stems. In our childhood we used to hear them 
called "Christmas-horns." 

COLUMBINE. 

Aquilegia truncata, Fisch. and Mey. Buttercup or Crowfoot Family. 

Stems. — One to three feet high ; very slender. Leaves. — Mostly radi- 
cal ; divided into thin, distant leaflets. Flowers. — Scarlet; tinged with 
yellow ; eighteen to twenty-four lines across. Parts in fives. Sepals. — 
Petaloid; rotately spreading. Petals. — Tubular; produced into long 
spurs or horns. Stamens. — Numerous on the receptacle ; much exserted. 
Pistils. — Five ; simple. Hab. — Almost throughout California. 

Sprung in a cleft of the wayside steep, 
And saucily nodding, flushing deep, 

With her airy tropic bells aglow, — 
Bold and careless, yet wondrous light, 
And swung into poise on the stony height, 

Like a challenge flung to the world below ! 
Skirting the rocks at the forest edge 
With a running flame from ledge to ledge, 
Or swaying deeper in shadowy glooms, 
A smoldering fire in her dusky blooms ; 
Bronzed and molded by wind and sun, 
Maddening, gladdening every one 
With a gypsy beauty full and fine, — 
A health to the crimson columbine ! 

— Elaine Goodale. 

To enjoy the exquisite airy beauty of this lovely flower, 
we must seek it in its own haunts — for there is a touch of 
wildness in its nature that will not be subdued ; nor will it sub- 
mit to being handled or ruthlessly transported from its own 
sylvan retreat. 

Fringing the stream, peering over the bank, as if to see its 
own loveliness reflected there, or hiding in the greenest re- 
cesses of the woodland, it is always a welcome blossom, and 
the eye brightens and the pulse quickens upon beholding it. 
It is far more abundant in mountain meadows than in the 
lowlands. 

This species is at home throughout our borders; but there 

354 




COLUMBINE— Aquilegia trunc 



RED 

is another form which is said to be found occasionally in our 
very high mountains — A. ccerulea, James. This is plentiful in 
the Rocky Mountains, and is the State flower of Colorado. Its 
blossoms, which are blue or white, are large and magnificent, 
with slender spurs an inch and a half or two inches long. 

CLIMBING PENTSTEMON. SCARLET HONEYSUCKLE. 

Pentstemon cordifolius, Benth. Figwort Family. 

Woody at base, with long, slender branches, which climb over other 
shrubs. Leaves. — Cordate or ovate ; an inch or less long. Calyx. — 
Campanulate ; five-parted. Corolla. — Bright scarlet ; eighteen lines long. 
Sterile stamen bearded down one side. (See Pentstemon.) Hab. — 
From Santa Barbara to San Diego. 

In spring we notice in the borders of southern woodlands 
and along the roadsides certain long, wandlike branches with 
beautiful heart-shaped leaves, which are suggestive of those of 
the garden fuchsia. Our curiosity is naturally aroused and 
we wonder what blossom is destined to grace this elegant foli- 
age. Early summer solves the mystery by hanging the tips 
of these wands with brilliant scarlet blossoms, in every way 
satisfying the earlier promise. These flowers often look down 
at us in a sort of mocking, Mephistophelian manner, as they 
hang amid the rich greens of other shrubs and trees. Seen 
with a glass, they are quite glandular. The fifth stamen looks 
like a very cunning little golden hearth-brush. 

HUMMING-BIRD'S SAGE. 

Audibertia grandiftora, Benth. Mint Family. 

Coarse plants, with woolly stems ; one to three feet high. Leaves. 
— Opposite ; wrinkly ; white-woolly beneath ; crenate ; the lower three 
to eight inches long; hastate-lanceolate; on margined petioles; upper 
sessile ; pointed. Inflorescence. — Over a foot long, with many large, 
widely separated whorls of crimson flowers. Corollas. — Eighteen lines 
long. Stamens and style. — Much exserted. Flower-bracts. — Ovate ; sharp- 
pointed ; often crimson-tinged. (Otherwise as A. stachyoides.) Hab. — 
The Coast Ranges, from San Mateo southward. 

This, the largest-flowered of all our Audibertias, becomes 
especially conspicuous by April and May in southern wood- 
lands, where its large, dark flower-clusters may be seen in 

356 




CLIMBING PENTSTEMON— Pentstemon cordifolin 



RED 

little companies amid the shadows. The leaves and bracts are 
quite viscid, and have a rather rank, unpleasant odor; but the 
flowers are not without a certain comeliness. The long, crim- 
son trumpets are arranged in whorls about the stems, projecting 
from many densely crowded bracts. Tier after tier of these 
whorls, sometimes as many as nine, mount the stems. The 
bracts and stems are usually of a rich bronze, which harmonizes 
finely with the color of the flowers. The joint in the filament 
is quite conspicuous in this species. 

"Humming-birds that dart in the sun like green and golden arrows" 
seem to be the sole beneficiaries of the abundant nectar in these 
deep tubes. 

CALIFORNIA SWEET-SCENTED SHRUB. 
WESTERN SPICE-BUSH. 

Calycanthus occidentalism Hook, and Arn. Sweet Shrub Family. 

Shrubs. — Six to twelve feet high. Leaves. — Ovate to oblong- 
lanceolate ; three to six inches long ; dark green ; roughish. Flowers. — 
Wine-colored (sometimes white); solitary; two inches or so across. 
Sepals, petals, and stamens. — Indefinite, passing into each other ; all 
coalescent below into the cuplike calyx-tube, on whose inner surface 
are borne the numerous carpels. Petals. — Linear-spatulate, usually 
tawny-tipped. Carpels becoming akenes. Hab. — From the lower Sac- 
ramento River northward. 

This is one of our most beautiful shrubs. Upon the banks 
of streams, or often upon a shaded hillside where some little 
rill trickles out from a hidden source, it spreads its branches 
and lifts its canopy of ample leaves. There is a pleasant 
fragrance about the whole shrub, and the leaves, when crushed, 
are agreeably bitter. From April to November the charming 
flowers, like small wine-colored chrysanthemums, are produced ; 
and these are followed by the prettily veined, urn-shaped seed- 
vessels, which remain upon the bushes until after the next sea- 
son's flowers appear, by which time they are almost black. It 
is from these cuplike seed-vessels that the genus takes its 
name, which is derived from two Greek words, meaning flower 
and cup. 

358 




CALIFORNIA SWEET-SCENTED SHRUB— Calycanthus occidental. 



RED 



INDIAN PINK. 

Silene Calif ornica, Durand. Pink Family. 

Root. — Deep. Stems. — Several; procumbent or sub-erect; leafy. 
Leaves. — Ovate-elliptic or lanceolate; eighteen lines to four inches 
long. Flowers. — Brilliant scarlet ; over an inch across. Calyx. — Five- 
toothed. Petals. — Five ; long-clawed ; the blades variously cleft, and 
with two erect toothlike appendages at the throat. Stamens. — Ten ; 
exserted with three filiform styles. Ovary. — One-celled. Hab. — Widely 
distributed in California, but not plentiful. 

The Indian pink is one of the most beautiful of our flowers, 
and it appeals to the aesthetic sense in a way few flowers do. 
Its brilliant scarlet blossoms brighten the soft browns of our 
roadsides in early summer, and gleam amid the green of 
thickets like bits of fire. Its corolla is elegantly slashed, and 
it is altogether a much finer flower than the southern form, 
5. laciniata. Its rather broad leaves are often quite viscid to 
the touch, in which respect it shares in the character from 
which the genus was named — in allusion to Silenus, the com- 
panion of Bacchus, who is described as covered with foam. 

5". laciniata, Cav., is a similar species found from central 
California southward. It is usually a taller plant, with many 
stems and narrow leaves. It is also quite viscid, and many 
small insects, mostly ants, are almost always to be seen en- 
snared upon its stems. We are at a loss to account for this 
until we remember what Sir John Lubbock says in this connec- 
tion. He suggests that ants are not very desirable visitors for 
promoting cross-fertilization among plants, as their progress is 
slow, and they cannot visit many plants far apart. On the 
other hand, winged insects, such as bees, butterflies, and moths, 
making long excursions through the air, are admirably adapted 
for bringing pollen from distant plants. Hence plants spread 
their attractions for such insects, while they often contrive all 
sorts of ingenious devices for keeping undesirable ones, like 
ants, away from their flowers. 

The Spanish-Californians call this plant "Yerba del Indio," 
and make it into a tea which they esteem as a remedy for all 

360 




INDIAN PINK— Silene Californica. 



RED 

sorts of aches and pains, and use as a healing application to 
ulcers. 

Another species — 6". Hookeri, Nutt. — is easily known by 
its large pink flowers, often two and a half inches across, and 
delicately slashed. This is found in our northernmost coun- 
ties, growing upon wooded hillsides, where its charming flowers 
show to excellent advantage. 

COAST LILY. 

Lilium maritimum, Kell. Lily Family. 

Bulb. — Conical ; twelve to eighteen lines thick, with closely appressed 
scales. Stem. — One to five feet high ; slender. Leaves. — Seldom, if at 
all, whorled ; linear or narrowly oblanceolate ; obtuse ; one to five 
inches long. Flowers. — One to five ; deep blood-red ; spotted with 
purple ; long-pediceled ; horizontal. Perianth-segments. — Six ; lanceo- 
late ; eighteen lines long ; the upper third somewhat recurved. Hab. — 
Near the Coast, from San Mateo to Mendocino County. 

The little coast lily is found most abundantly in the black 
peat bogs of Mendocino County, though it ranges southward 
to San Mateo County and northward to Humboldt County. 

Mr. Purdy says of it: — "It is seldom seen farther than two 
miles from the ocean. On the edges of the bogs the lily is 
often a dwarf, blossoming at three or four inches. In the bogs 
it roots itself in the tufts, and becomes a lovely plant five feet 
high with ten or fifteen fine blossoms." 

The leaves are dark, glossy green, and the blossoms are 
more cylindrical than funnel-form, the three inner segments 
spreading more than the outer, which remain almost erect. 
The little oval anthers, with cinnamon-colored pollen, almost 
fill the narrow tube and conceal the fact that the segments are 
yellow below and more decidedly spotted. 

CHOLLA-CACTUS. 

Opuntia prolifera, Engelm. Cactus Family. 

Leafless, spiny, arborescent shrubs, three to ten feet high, with 
elongated, cylindrical joints, covered with oblong tubercles which bear 
from three to eight spines. Longest spines twelve to eighteen lines 
long. Stems. — Two to seven inches thick. Flowers. — Purplish-red ; 
densely clustered at the ends of the branches. Sepals, petals, and 

362 



RED 

stamens. — Many. Ovary. — One-celled. Style one. Stigmas several. 
Fruit. — Green ; obovate ; concave on the top ; having no spines, only 
bristles; usually sterile; often producing other flowers. Hab. — From 
Ventura to San Diego and southward. 

Upon dry hills, even as far north as Ventura, the cholla- 
cactus is a familiar feature of the landscape. In many places 
it forms extensive and impassable thickets, which afford an 
asylum to many delicate and tender plants that retire to it as 
a last refuge from sheep and cattle. 

The young joints, which are clustered at the ends of the 
branches, are from three to nine inches long. By means of 
their barbed spines, these adhere to any passing object, and as 
they break off very readily, they are thus often transported to 
a distance. As they root easily, this seems to afford a means 
of propagation, in the absence of seed — for the fruit is usually 
seedless. 

The spines are quite variable in length, the longest being 
sometimes an inch and a half. Each one is covered by a 
papery sheath, which slips off easily. 

Upon the ground about these shrubs may usually be found 
the skeletons of old branches. These are hollow cylinders of 
woody basket-work, which are quite symmetrical and pretty. 

0. serpentina, Engelm., found at San Diego, and often 
growing with the above, resembles it somewhat, but may be 
known by its much longer spines, which are from three to nine 
inches long, and by its greenish-yellow flowers. The plants 
are usually found near the seashore and scattered — i. e. never 
forming thickets. 

Upon the sea-coast at San Diego is found another plant 
similar to the above, — Cereus Emoryi, Engelm., — the "velvet 
cactus." Instead of being covered with tubercles, these plants 
have from sixteen to twenty vertical ribs, upon which are borne 
the bunches of slender spines. These spines are from a quarter 
of an inch to one and three-quarters inches long, and without 
barbs. The flowers are greenish-yellow, and not particularly 
pretty or attractive. 

363 



RED 

SCARLET BUGLER. 

Pentstemon centranthifo litis, Benth. Figwort Family. 

Very glaucous and smooth. Stem. — One to three feet high. Leaves. 
— Ovate-lanceolate ; mostly sessile ; the upper cordate-clasping ; thick. 
Panicles. — Narrow; a foot or two long. Corolla. — Bright scarlet; an 
inch or more long; hardly bilabiate. (See Pentstemon.) Hab. — From 
Monterey to Los Angeles. 

The tall spires of the scarlet bugler are such familiar sights 
along southern roadsides and sandy washes that people almost 
forget the enthusiastic admiration their bright beauty first 
elicited. It is said that acres of mountain lands are sometimes 
a solid mass of vermilion during the blooming season of this 
lovely plant. 

The panicle is often two feet long, with its string of scarlet 
horns. The individual flowers bear quite a likeness to those 
of the honeysuckle, common in Eastern gardens, and by those 
who encounter the plant for the first time, it is usually spoken 
of as "honeysuckle." The blossoms are sometimes yellow near 
San Bernardino. 

P. Bridgesii, Gray, met more frequently in the Yosemite 
than elsewhere, though it occurs in the Sierras from the Yo- 
semite southward, is a very similar plant to the above. But it 
differs in having its corolla quite distinctly bilabiate, though of 
the same general tubular, funnel-form shape. 

LARGE VETCH. 

Vicia gigantca, Hook. Pea Family. 

Climbing. Stems. — Five to fifteen feet long. Leaves. — Alternate ; 
pinnate ; terminated by a tendril. Leaflets. — Ten to thirteen pairs ; 
linear-oblong ; obtuse ; mucronulate ; one or two inches long. Stipules. 
— An inch long ; semi-sagittate. Racemes. — Dense ; one-sided ; five to 
eighteen-flowered. Flozvers. — Dull red. Corolla. — Papilionaceous; six 
or seven lines long. Petals not spreading. Stamens. — Nine united ; one 
free. Style. — Hairy all around under the stigma. Pod. — An inch or so 
long. (See Leguminosce.) Hab. — From San Francisco Bay northward 
to Sitka. 

This vine is usually found in moist places. Its blossoms 
are never attractive — for they have a faded, worn-out look, 

364 




SCARLET BUGLER — Pentstemon centranthifolius. 



RED 

even when they are fresh. The pods are black when ripe, and 
the seeds are said to be edible. 

SCARLET GILIA. 

Gilia aggregata, Spreng. Phlox or Polemonium Family. 

Stems. — One to three feet high. Leaves. — Pinnately parted into seven 
to thirteen linear, pointed divisions. Upper leaves more simple. Flowers. 
— In a loose panicle. Calyx. — Deeply five-cleft; glandular. Corolla. — 
Scarlet, pink, or rarely even white ; with funnel-form tube, one inch 
long; and rotately spreading five-lobed border. Lobes three to six 
lines long. (See Gilia.) Hab. — Throughout the Sierras. 

The scarlet gilia is a familiar flower in the Sierras in late 
summer, growing everywhere in dry places. It may be easily 
recognized by its rich, glossy, flat, green leaves, pinnately 
divided into linear divisions, its tall, loosely branching habit, 
and its bright, delicate scarlet flowers, standing out horizontally 
from the stem. The corolla-lobes are often flesh-pink or yel- 
lowish within, splashed or streaked with scarlet. The whole 
plant is quite viscid. 

SCARLET MONKEY-FLOWER. 

Mimulus cardinalis, Dougl. Figwort Family. 

Stout ; viscid ; hairy. Stems. — One to five feet high. Leaves. — 
Sessile ; ovate to ovate-lanceolate ; ragged-margined ; several-nerved ; 
two or three inches long. Peduncles. — Three inches long. Corolla. — 
Scarlet ; two inches or more long. Upper lip erect ; its two lobes turned 
back. Lower lip three-lobed ; reflexed. Stamens. — Exserted. ( See 
Mimulus.) Hab. — Throughout Oregon and California along water- 
courses. 

One day in June, when riding upon the shores of Bolinas 
Bay, I came upon a spot where a canon stream flowed out upon 
a little flat at tide-level, making a small fresh-water marsh, in 
which mint, bulrushes, and scarlet mimulus were striving for 
the mastery. But the mimulus was the most wonderful I ever 
saw. It stood four or five feet high — a patch of it — strong 
and vigorous, and covered with its handsome, large scarlet 
flowers, a sight to be remembered. This species is often culti- 
vated in gardens. 

366 




SCARLET GILIA — Gilia aggregate 



RED 

SNOW-PLANT. 

Sarcodes sanguinea, Torr. Heath Family. 

Fleshy, glandular-pubescent plants ; six inches to over a foot high ; 
bright red ; without green foliage ; having, in place of leaves, fleshy 
scales, with glandular-ciliate margins. Flowers. — Short-oediceled. 
Sepals. — Five. Corolla. — Six lines long ; campanulate ; with five-lobed 
limb. Stamens. — Ten. Anthers two-celled ; opening terminally. Ovary. 
—Five-celled ; globose. Style stout. Stigma capitate. Hab. — Through- 
out the Sierras, from four to nine thousand feet elevation. 

I shall never forget finding my first snow-plant. It was 
upon a perfect August day in the Sierras. Following the 
course of a little rill which wound among mosses and ferns 
through the open forest where noble fir shafts rose on every 
hand, I came unexpectedly upon this scarlet miracle, standing 
in the rich, black mold in a sheltered nook in the wood. A 
single ray of strong sunlight shone upon it, leaving the wood 
around it dark, so that it stood out like a single figure in a 
tableau vivant. There was something so personal, so glowing, 
and so lifelike about it, that I almost fancied I could see the 
warm life-blood pulsing and quivering through it. I knelt to 
examine it. In lieu of leaves, the plant was supplied with 
many overlapping scalelike bracts of a flesh-tint. These were 
quite rigid below and closely appressed to the stem, but above 
they became looser and curled gracefully about among the 
vivid red bells. 

I had heard that the plant was a root parasite ; so it was 
with much interest and great care I dug about it with my 
trowel. But I failed to find its root connected with any other. 
I have since learned that it is now considered one of those 
plants akin to the fungi, which in some mysterious way draw 
their nourishment from decaying or decomposing matter. 

I carried my prize home, where it retained its beauty for a 
number of days. I afterward found many of them. They 
gradually follow the receding snows up the heights ; so that 
late in the season one must climb for them. They often grow 
in clusters, and I have counted as many as fifteen springing 
up together. 

368 




SNOW-PLANT — Sarcodes sanguinea. 



RED 

The name "snow-plant" is very misleading, because from 
it one naturally expects to find the plant growing upon the 
snow. But this is rarely or never the case, for it is after the 
melting of the snow that it pushes its way aboveground. 

Late in the season the plant usually has one or more well- 
formed young plants underground at its base. These are all 
ready to come forth the next season at the first intimation that 
the snow has gone, which easily accounts for its marvelously 
rapid growth. By the end of August, the seed-vessels are 
well developed, and as large as a small marble, but flattened ; 
and by that time the plants have lost their brilliant coloring, 
and become dull and faded. 

It is said that the stems have been boiled and eaten, and 
found quite palatable ; but this would seem to the lover of the 
beautiful like eating the showbread from the ark of Nature's 
tabernacle. 

SOUTHERN SCARLET LARKSPUR. 

Delphinium cardinale, Hook. Buttercup or Crowfoot Family. 

Stems. — Three to ten feet tall. Leaves. — Large ; five- to seven-lobed 
nearly to the base, the lobes three- to five-cleft, with long-pointed seg- 
ments. Flowers. — Large. Sepals. — Lanceolate ; eight lines or more 
long; rotately spreading; the spur an inch or more long; pointed. 
Upper petals. — Orange, tipped with red ; pointed ; standing prominently 
forward. (Otherwise as D. nudicaule.) Hab. — The mountains, from 
Ventura County to San Diego. 

During all the long springtime, Nature has been quietly 
making her preparations for a grand floral denouement to take 
place about mid-June. If we go out into the mountains of the 
south at that season, we shall be confronted with a blaze of 
glory, the like of which we have probably never witnessed 
before. This is due to the brilliant spires of the scarlet lark- 
spur, which sometimes rise to a height of ten feet ! 

One writer likens the appearance of these blossoms, as they 
grow in dense masses, to a hill on fire ; and Mr. Sturtevant 
writes : — "To come upon a large group of these plants in full 
bloom for the first time, is an event never to be forgotten. I 

370 



RED 

first saw a mass of them in the distance from the top of a hill. 
Descending, I came upon them in such a position that the rays 
of the setting sun intensified the brilliancy of their fiery orange- 
scarlet color. I gathered a large armful of stalks, from three 
to seven feet high, and placed them in water. They continued 
to expand for several weeks in water." 

There is a general resemblance between this and the north- 
ern scarlet larkspur, but the clusters of this are far larger and 
denser, and the individual flowers are finer. The half-opened 
buds more resemble the open flowers of D. nndicaide ; but the 
fully expanded flowers have the form of some of the finest of 
the blue larkspurs. 

The plants affect a sandy soil or one of decomposed granite. 

WESTERN CARDINAL-FLOWER. 

Lobelia splendens, Willd. Lobelia Family. 

Stems. — Two to four feet tall ; slender, smooth or nearly so. Leaves. 
— Alternate ; mostly sessile ; lanceolate or almost linear ; glandular- 
denticulate. Flowers. — In an elongated, wandlike raceme ; cardinal red. 
Calyx. — Five-cleft. Corolla. — With straight tube, over an inch long 
and split down the upper side ; border two-lipped ; upper lip with two 
rather erect lobes ; lower spreading and three-cleft, with lobes three 
to six lines long. Stamens. — Five ; united into a tube above. Anthers 
somewhat hairy. Ovary. — Two-celled. Style simple. Stigma two- 
lobed. Hob. — San Diego, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles counties, 
and eastward to Texas. 

The Western cardinal-flower quite closely resembles L. car- 
dinalis of the East, differing from it in a few minor points only. 
I have never been fortunate enough to see it ; but I am told that 
it is a magnificent plant, and that from July to September many 
a wet spot in our southern mountain canons is made gay with 
its brilliant blossoms. 

Of the Eastern plant Mr. Burroughs writes:. — "But when 
vivid color is wanted, what can surpass or equal our cardinal- 
flower? There is a glow about this flower, as if color emanated 
from it as from a live coal. The eye is baffled and does not 
seem to reach the surface of the petal ; it does not see the tex- 
ture or material part as it does in other flowers, but rests in a 

371 



RED 

steady, still radiance. It is not so much something colored as 
it is color itself. And then the moist, cool, shady places it 
affects usually, where it has no rivals, and where the large, 
dark shadows need just such a dab of fire! Often, too, we see 
it double, its reflected image in some dark pool heightening its 
effect." 

HUMMING-BIRD'S TRUMPET. CALIFORNIA FUCHSIA. 

Zauschneria Calif ornica, Presl. Evening- Primrose Family. 

Woody plants, more or less villous. Stems. — Much branched; ascend- 
ing or decumbent ; one to three feet long. Leaves.— Mostly alternate ; 
sessile; narrowly lanceolate to ovate; six to eighteen lines long. 
Flowers. — Bright scarlet ; in a loose spike ; funnel-form ; twenty lines 
long. Calyx. — Scarlet ; four-cleft. Petals. — Four ; obcordate ; borne on 
the calyx-tube. Stamens. — Eight. Filaments and style more or less 
exserted. Ovary. — Four-celled; inferior. Stigma four-lobed. Hab. — 
From Plumas County to Mexico ; and the Rocky Mountains east of 
the Great Basin. 

In late summer and through the autumn, the brilliant blos- 
soms of the California fuchsia brighten the somber tones of our 
dry, open hill-slopes. Its aspect is one of gay insouciance, 
which would drive away melancholy despite oneself, and 
though other plants have been put to rout, one by one, by 
the sun's fierce glare, nothing daunted, it puts on its brightest 
hues, like a true apostle of cheerfulness. It has been cultivated 
for some time, and is highly prized in Eastern gardens, where 
it has earned for itself the pretty title of "humming-bird's 
trumpet." It is not confined to our limits, but extends south- 
ward into Mexico, and eastward to Wyoming. We have seen it 
flourishing in the Sierras, where it is particularly beautiful. 

It is called "balsamea" by the Spanish-Californians, who 
use a wash of it as a remedy for cuts and bruises. 

It varies greatly in the size and hairiness of its leaves, in 
the -form of its flowers, which are broadly or narrowly funnel- 
form, and in the exsertion of the stamens and style. The var. 
microphylla has a woolly pubescence, linear leaves often very 
small, three or four lines long, and other small leaves crowded 
in their axils. This is found in the south. 

372 




CALIFORNIA FUCHSIA— Zauschneria Califo, 



There is no glory in star or blossom 
Till looked upon by a loving eye ; 

There is no fragrance in April breezes 
Till breathed with joy as they wander by. 
— William Cullcn Bryant. 



VI. MISCELLANEOUS 



MUILLA. 

M it ilia maritima, Benth. Lily Family. 

Root. — A small membranous-coated corm. Leaves. — Radical; linear; 
equaling the slender scape. Scapes. — Three to twelve inches high, bear- 
ing an umbel of small greenish-white flowers, subtended by several 
small lanceolate to linear bracts. Pedicels. — Five to fifteen ; two to 
twelve lines long. Perianth. — Almost rotate; of six segments; two or 
three lines long. Stamens. — Six. Ovary. — Globose ; three-celled. Hab. 
— The Coast, from Marin County to Monterey ; also inland. 

The generic name of this little plant is Allium reversed. 

Though it has a coated bulb like the onion, it has none of 
its garlic flavor. It differs from the other umbellate-flowered 
genera of the Lily family in not having its flowers jointed upon 
their pedicels. It thus seems to be a link between the onion, 
on the one hand, and the beautiful brodiaeas and bloomerias, 
on the other. It is not at all an attractive plant, though its 
blossoms are pleasantly fragrant. 

It is found on the borders of salt marshes and in subsaline 
soils in the interior, as well as upon high hills in stony soils. 

Another species, — M. serotinq, Greene, — common upon in- 
land hills in the south, is quite a delicate, pretty flower. Its 
greenish-white blossoms, with dainty Nile-green anthers, are 
nearly an inch across, and each segment has a pale-green mid- 
nerve. The plant has a number of very long, slender leaves, 
and its flower-stems are sometimes two feet tall and very 
slender. 

375 



MISCELLANEOUS 

SILK-TASSEL TREE. QUININE-BUSH. 

Garry a elliptica, Dougl. Dogwood Family. 

Shrubs five to eight feet high. Leaves. — Leathery; white-woolly be- 
neath; wavy-margined. Flowers. — Of two kinds on separate shrubs; 
in solitary or clustered catkins ; and without petals. Staminate catkins. 
— Two to ten inches long, consisting of a flexile chain of funnel-form 
bracts, depending one from another ; each having six flowers like clap- 
pers. These flowers with four hairy sepals and four stamens with dis- 
tinct filaments. Pistillate catkins. — Of similar structure but stouter, 
more rigid. Their flowers without floral envelopes ; pistils two ; fleshy 
and hairy; stigmas filiform; dark. Hab. — Near the Coast from Mon- 
terey County to Washington. 

This shrub might easily be mistaken for one of our young 
live-oaks, with its leathery leaves and gray bark ; but the leaves 
are opposite, and not alternate, as with the oaks. The bark 
and leaves have an intensely bitter principle, similar to quinine 
and equally efficacious. 

Early in February, after the first spell of balmy weather, 
the bushes put forth their flowers, and then they are exceed- 
ingly beautiful. The long pale-green chains at the ends of all 
the branches hang limp and flexile, shaken with every breath 
of wind, or, falling over other branches, drape and festoon the 
whole shrub exquisitely. The catkins of the female shrub are 
stouter and more rigid than those of the male ; but when the 
fruit is mature, they lengthen out into beautifully tinted clusters 
of little papery-coated grapes, which are quite attractive in 
themselves. This is cultivated as an ornamental shrub in 
England. 

G. Fremonti, Torr., another species, is distinguished by 
having its leaves pointed at both ends, not wavy-margined, and 
not permanently woolly ; and also by its solitary catkins. This 
is the shrub usually spoken of as "quinine-bush," "fever-bush," 
etc., and whose leaves were used as a substitute for quinine in 
the early days among the miners. It is said that its roots, left 
in the ground after the cutting of the shrub, become marbled 
with green, and are then very beautiful for inlaying in orna- 
mental woodwork. 

376 




SILK-TASSEL TREE— Garrya ellipti 



MISCELLANEOUS 

CALIFORNIA LAUREL. 

Umbellularia Calif ornica, Nutt. Laurel Family. 

Shrubs or trees, ten to one hundred feet high. Leaves. — Alternate ; 
short-petioled ; lanceolate-oblong ; two to four inches long ; smooth, 
shining green ; very aromatic. Flowers. — In clusters. Sepals. — Six ; 
greenish-white; two and a half lines long. Petals. — None. Stamens. 
— Nine ; in three rows ; the filaments of the inner row having on either 
side, at base, a stalked orange-colored gland. Anthers. — Four-celled; 
the cells opening by uplifting lids. Ovary. — One-celled. Style stout. 
Stigma lobed. Fruit. — Olive-like; an inch long; becoming purple. Hab. 
— From Oregon to San Diego. 

Early in February we usually have some of our loveliest 
days. Life is then pulsing and throbbing everywhere at full 
tide. The clear sunshine,. the murmur of streams, the odor of 
the freshly turned sod, the caroling of larks — all are eloquent 
of the springtime. The whole air is filled with a strange, spicy 
fragrance which makes it a delight to breathe. The California 
laurel is shaking out a delicious penetrating odor from its 
countless blossoms. 

Mr. Sargent refers to this tree as one of the stateliest and 
most beautiful inhabitants of the North American forests, and 
one of the most striking features of the California landscape. 

In France it is now much appreciated and cultivated in 
parks and gardens. 

In southern California it is only a shrub ; but in the central 
and northern counties it becomes a magnificent tree, a hundred 
feet in height and from four to six feet in diameter. It thrives 
best in the rich soil along stream-banks, though it grows also 
upon hillsides. It would be impossible to mistake this tree for 
any other ; for its leaves, when crushed, give out a peculiar pun- 
gent odor which, if inhaled too much, will cause headache. 
The odor is something like that of bay-rum. The Indians, as 
well as our own people, acting upon the homeopathic principle, 
use them as a remedy for headache. The oil is also used 
effectively in toothache, earache, etc., and enters into the com- 
position of certain patent medicines. 

The wood of the laurel is one of the most beautiful employed 

378 



MISCELLANEOUS 

by the cabinet-maker, and it is largely used in the manufacture 
of choice furniture. The olive-like fruit is ripe by July, and 
would remain upon the tree until the next year were not the 
squirrels so fond of it. 

This tree is known in different localities by a variety of 
names, such as "spice-bush," "balm of heaven," "sassafras 
laurel," "cajeput," "California bay-tree," "California olive," 
"mountain laurel," and "California laurel." But the last of 
these is the one prevalent where its finest forms are found. 



MOUNTAIN MAHOGANY. 

Cercocarpus parvifolius, Nutt. Rose Family. 

Shrubs. two to twenty feet high; branching from a thick base. Leaves. 
— Alternate ; short-petioled ; cuneate ; serrate across the summit ; more 
or less silky above ; densely hoary-tomentose beneath ; six to eighteen 
lines long. Flowers. — Mostly solitary; axillary. Calyx. — Narrowly 
tubular, with a deciduous campanulate five-lobed limb. Petals. — None. 
Stamens. — Fifteen to twenty-five; on the calyx.' Ovary. — One- (rarely 
two-) celled. Style simple. Fruit. — An akene with a silky tail, at 
length becoming three or four inches long. Hab. — The Coast Ranges 
from Lake County to southern California. 

The mountain mahogany is a common shrub upon the 
interior hills of the Coast Ranges ; and when one has once 
made its acquaintance, it is always easily recognized by its 
wedge-shaped, dark-green leaves, prominently veined and 
notched at the summit. Its flowers, having no petals, are 
green and inconspicuous; but the long, solitary plumes of its 
little fruit are very noticeable and pretty. Its wood is the 
heaviest and hardest we have. 

Mr. Greene says that its leafy twigs have a sweet, birchy 
flavor, rendering them excellent food for cattle in late summer. 



370 



MISCELLANEOUS 

DUTCHMAN'S PIPE. PIPE-VINE. 

Aristolochia Californica, Torr. Birthwort Family. 

Stem. — Woody ; climbing. Leaves. — Alternate ; short-petioled ; large ; 
ovate-cordate; two to four inches long. Flowers. — Greenish, veined 
with purple. Perianth. — Pipe-shaped ; the lobes of the lip leather- 
colored within. Anthers. — Six; sessile; adnate in pairs to the thick 
style under the broad lobes of the stigma ; vertical. Stigma. — Three- 
lobed. Ovary. — Inferior ; six-angled ; six-celled. Fruit. — A large, 
leathery pod two inches long. Hab. — The Coast Ranges, from Monterey 
to Marin County; also in the Sierras. 

This odd flower is found rather sparingly in our middle 
Coast Ranges from February to April, and in some parts of 
the Sierra foothills, reaching even to the Yosemite. As it 
flowers before the large leaves come out, and the blossoms are 
much like dead leaves in color, it requires keen eyes to find it. 
It usually grows on low ground, in a tangle of shrubs under 
the trees, often festooning gracefully from branch to branch. 
Before the flowers are fully open, the buds resemble ugly little 
brown ducks hanging from the vine. 

The common blue-black butterfly is often seen hovering 
over this vine, and it is said that its caterpillar is so fond of the 
fruit that it rarely permits one to ripen. 

Later in the season, the large cordate leaves are quite con- 
spicuous, and cause people to wonder what may have been the 
flower of so fine a vine. 



TURK'S-HEAD CACTUS. TURBAN CACTUS. 

Echino cactus viridescens, Nutt. Cactus Family. 

Depressed, hemispherical, fleshy, leafless plants, with from thirteen 
to twenty-one prominent ( vertical ribs, bearing groups of rigid spines ; 
usually less than a foot in diameter. Spines. — Straight or recurved; 
stout ; reddish ; transversely ribbed or ringed. Flowers. — Sessile ; borne 
about the depressed woolly center ; yellowish-green ; about eighteen 
lines long. Sepals. — Many; closely imbricated; merging into the nu- 
merous, oblong, scarious petals; sometimes nerved with red. Stamens. 
— Very many. Ovary. — One-celled. Stigmas twelve to fifteen; linear. 
Berry. — Pulpy; green; scaly. Hab. — From San Diego inland. 

The Turk's-head cactus looks very much like the end of a 
watermelon protruding from the ground, if one could imagine 

$80 




DUTCHMAN'S PIPE— A 



ristolochia California. 



MISCELLANEOUS 

a watermelon deeply furrowed and furnished with very formi- 
dable spines. 

This plant is abundant near San Diego, growing all over the 
mesas ; and it is marvelous that horses and cattle are not more 
often injured by stepping upon these disagreeable, horrent 
globes; but long experience has doubtless taught them the 
instinct of caution. 

The plant is really beautiful when crowned with its circle of 
gauzy, yellow-green flowers, which are more like some exquisite 
artificial fabrication than real flowers. The fruit of this cactus 
is slightly acid and rather pleasant. 

The plant is cultivated in Europe under the name of Echi- 
nocactus Calif ornicus. 

FAIRY-BELLS. DROPS OF GOLD. 

Disporum Hookeri, Britton. Lily Family. 

Rootstock. — Creeping; spreading. Stem. — A foot or two high, 
branching horizontally. L<?az/<?.?.— Alternate ; ovate ; cordate ; acute ; 
several-nerved ; two or three inches long. Flowers. — Greenish ; one 
to six ; six lines long ; pendulous under the ends of the branches. Peri- 
anth. — Spreading-campanulate. Segments. — Six ; lanceolate ; arched at 
the base. Stamens. — Six ; equaling or exceeding the perianth. Ovary. 
— Three-celled. Style slender ; entire. Fruit. — An obovate, somewhat 
pubescent berry ; golden, ripening to scarlet. Syn. — Prosartes Hookeri, 
Torr. Hab. — Shady woods, but not by water; Coast Ranges, from 
Marin County to Santa Cruz. 

In our walks through the April woods, we often notice a 
fine plant with branching stems, whose handsomely veined 
leaves are set obliquely to the stem and all lie in nearly the 
same hprizontal plane. In our subsequent meetings with the 
plant it seems to change but little, and we begin to grow im- 
patient for the coming of the flower, which, however, seems to 
show no disposition to appear. Some day, when bending over 
a bit of moss or a fern-frond, or peering into the silk-lined hole 
of a ground-spider, we suddenly catch a glimmer of something 
under the broad leaves of our hitherto disappointing plant, and 
hastening to examine it, we find to our amazement one or 
more exquisitely formed little green bells hanging from the tip 

382 



MISCELLANEOUS 

of each branch. Later these are often succeeded by small ber- 
ries, at first golden, and afterward scarlet. 

The old generic name, Prosartes, comes from a Greek word 
signifying to hang from, and is in allusion to the pendulous 
flowers. The common name, "drops of gold," applies to the 
berry. 

Another species — D. Menziesii, Don. — is found growing 
along stream-banks in the Coast Ranges from Marin County 
northward. This differs from the above in its longer, more 
cylindrical, milk-white flowers, and its salmon-colored berries. 
It usually blossoms a little later than the other species, lasting 
till June, and is exceedingly pretty. 

COMMON MUGWORT. 

Artemisia vulgaris, var. Calif or nica, Bess. Composite Family. 

Stems. — Rather simple ; a foot or two high. Leaves. — Ample ; slashed 
downward into long acute lobes ; green above ; cottony-woolly beneath ; 
bitter ; strong-scented ; the upper often entire, linear, or lanceolate. 
Flower-heads. — Minute ; two lines high, one broad ; composed of 
tubular disk-flowers only ; greenish, in long, slender, crowded panicles. 
Hab. — Near the Coast, from San Francisco northward. 

This is a common weed along our roadsides, and is easily 
known by its slashed leaves with silvery under surfaces. These 
leaves are very bitter. This is closely allied to the wormwood, 
and by many people is called "wormwood." 

ARTEMISIA. SAGEBRUSH. 

Artemisia Califomica, Less. Composite Family. 

Stems. — Shrubby ; four or five feet high ; with many slender branches. 
Leaves. — Alternate ; pinnately parted into three- to seven-filiform 
divisions ; or entire and filiform ; an inch or so long ; strong-scented. 
Flower-heads. — Very small ; two lines or less across ; numerous, in 
narrow panicles ; greenish ; composed of tubular disk-flowers only. 
Hab. — Marin County to San Bernardino. 

The artemisia, or, as it is more commonly called, "sage- 
brush," is an old friend that we always expect to meet in our 
walks on rocky hill-slopes. Its leaves have a clean, bitter 

&3 



MISCELLANEOUS 

fragrance, similar to that of the mugwort, but sweeter, and 
when crushed in the hand they emit a strong odor of turpentine. 

Dr. Behr tells me that in the early days the miners laid 
sprays of it in their beds to drive away the fleas. 

The Spanish-Californians regard it as a panacea for all ills, 
and use it in the form of a strong wash to bathe wounds and 
swellings, with excellent results. 

Another species — A. tridentata, Nutt. — is the shrubby 
form, growing so abundantly all over the alkali plains of the 
Great Basin, where it holds undisputed possession with the 
prairie-dog and the coyote. It has narrow, wedge-shaped 
leaves, which are three-toothed at the apex; and the whole 
plant has a strong odor of turpentine. 

This is highly esteemed by the Indians as a medicinal plant. 

WILD PIE-PLANT. CANAIGRE. 

Rumex hymenosepalus, Torr. Buckwheat Family. 

Root. — A cluster of dahlia-like tubers. Stems. — About two feet 
high. Leaves. — Narrowly oblong or lanceolate; a foot long or less; 
acute ; undulate ; narrowed into a short, very thick petiole. Flowers. — 
Light raisin-color; in a large panicle a foot or so long. Perianth. — Of 
six sepals ; the outer minute ; the inner about five lines long ; appressed 
to the ovary. Stamens. — Six. Ovary. — Three-angled ; one-celled. Styles 
three; short. Stigmas tufted. Hab. — Dry, sandy plains of southern 
California. 

The wild pie-plant is closely related to the garden rhubarb, 
and also to the dock and the sorrel. In early days in both 
Utah and southern California housewives used its stems as a 
substitute for the cultivated pie-plant, finding them quite accept- 
able. The Indians have long used the root in the tanning of 
buckskins, and they have also found in it a bright mahogany- 
brown dye, with which to paint their bodies. 

Of late this plant has been attracting much notice under the 
name "canaigre," and it is hoped that it will prove a valuable 
substitute for tanbark. If it does, we shall hail it with delight 
as the savior of our beautiful oak forests. Tannin exists in 
large quantities in the thick roots; but it is yet a question 

384 




CANAIGRE — Rum ex hymenosepalus. 



MISCELLANEOUS 

whether it will prove remunerative to the farmer as a crop. At 
Rialto a company has been formed, which employs many men 
to gather and prepare the roots, and there will soon be thou- 
sands of acres of it under cultivation. The tops of the plants, 
with the small upper portions of the roots, which have all the 
eyes upon them, are cut off and replanted for the next year's 
crop, while the remainder of the root is sliced, dried, pul- 
verized, and leached to extract the tannin, which is then ready 
for use. 

The plant is a very noticeable one, with its red leaf-stems 
and veins and its large, dense cluster of small raisin-colored 
flowers, and it is often seen upon our southern plains. But I 
am told that over the border in Lower California it grows in 
great abundance, covering the ground for miles. It would 
seem as though its cultivation might be carried on with best 
results where nature produces it so freely. 

HORNLESS WOOLLY MILKWEED. 

Gomphocarpus tomentosus, Gray. Milkweed Family. 

Densely white-woolly plants, with milky juice. Stems. — One to three 
feet high. Leaves. — Two to four inches long. Flowers. — Several, in a 
pendulous cluster on yarnlike pedicels ; lateral upon the stem between 
the leaves. Calyx. — Five-parted ; inconspicuous. Corolla. — Deeply five- 
parted ; greenish without, pinkish within. Stamens. — Five ; sunk in the 
column and alternating with the five hoods. Hoods. — Two lines across; 
saccate; open down the outer face. Ovaries. — Two; pointed; capped by 
a flat stigma. Fruit. — A pair of follicles ; with many silken-tufted 
seeds. Hab. — Dry hills from San Diego to Monte Diablo. 

In the south by late spring the very woolly stems and foliage 
of this milkweed become quite noticeable before any hint of 
blossoms appears. The thick, gray leaves look as though they 
might have been cut out of heavy flannel. By May the flower- 
clusters begin to take definite form, and at last the buds open 
and reveal a most interesting flower, whose structure is quite 
complicated. The center of the blossom is occupied by a 
fleshy column, in which are sunk the anthers, and upon which 
are borne certain round, dark wine-colored bodies called the 

386 




HORNLESS WOOLLY MILKWEED— Gomphocarpus tomentosus. 



MISCELLANEOUS 

"hoods," which are in reality nectaries, holding honey for 
insect visitors. All the pollen in each anther-cell consists of a 
waxy mass, and the adjacent masses of different anthers are 
bound together by a gummy, elastic band, suspended upon 
the rim of the stigma. The stigma occupies the top of the 
fleshy column, and forms a cap, hiding from view the two tubes, 
or styles, leading down into the ovaries. 

The milkweeds of California are divided between two genera, 
— Asclepias and Gomphocarpus, — the difference between them 
lying in the presence of a horn or crest rising out of the hoods 
in Asclepias. 

Bees visiting the blossoms of the milkweeds are said to be 
frequently disabled by the pollen-masses, which adhere to 
them in such numbers and weigh them down so heavily that 
they cannot climb upon their combs, but fall down and perish. 

MOUNTAIN LADY'S SLIPPER. 

Cypripedium montanum, Dougl. Orchis Family. 

Stems. — Stout ; a foot or two high ; leafy. Leaves. — Four to six 
inches long; pointed. Flowers. — One to three; short-pediceled. Sepals 
and petals. — Brownish ; eighteen to thirty lines long ; the two lower 
sepals united nearly to the apex. Sac. — An inch long; dull white, 
veined with purple. Anthers. — Two fertile (one on either side of the 
column) ; one sterile, four or five lines long, yellow, with purple spots; 
longer than the stigma. Hab. — The mountains from central California 
to the Columbia .River. 

The mountain lady's slipper is a rare plant with us, which 
affects cool, secluded spots in our mountain forests. The plants, 
of which two or three usually grow from a creeping rootstock, 
generally stand where some moisture seeps out. The leaves 
are ample and shapely, and the quaint flowers quiet and elegant 
in coloring. 

The long, twisted sepals and petals and the oval sac give 
these blossoms the aspect of some floral daddy-long-legs or 
some weird brownie of the wood. We feel that we have fallen 
upon a rare day when we are fortunate enough to find these 
flowers, and we are reminded of Mr. Burroughs's lines : — "How 




MOUNTAIN LADY'S SLIPPER— Cypripedium montanu, 



MISCELLANEOUS 

fastidious and exclusive is the Cypripedium! ... It does not 
go in herds, like the commoner plants, but affects privacy and 
solitude. When I come upon it in my walks, I seem to be 
intruding upon some very private and exclusive company." 

In our Coast Ranges we may look for these blossoms in 
May. 

We have but two or three species of Cypripedium. C. Cali- 
fomicum, Gray, is similar to C. montanum, but its blossoms 
have comparatively short greenish-yellow sepals and petals, and 
the sac is from white to pale rose-color. They have a more 
compact look, and lack the careless grace of those of the 
mountain lady's slipper. Their haunts are swamps in open 
woodlands in the northern part of the State, where they bloom 
in August and September, and are often found in the company 
of the California pitcher-plant. 

REIN-ORCHIS. 

Habenaria elegans, Bolander. Orchis Family. 

Root. — An oblong tuber. Stem. — Rather slender; a foot or two 
high. Leaves. — Two ; radical ; oblong ; three to six inches long ; eigh- 
teen lines to two inches wide. Flowers. — Small; light green; in a 
dense but slender spike. Sepals and petals about equal ; two lines 
long; obtuse. Lip. — Similar, with a filiform spur three to five lines 
long. (Otherwise like H. leucostachys.) Hab. — Near the coast, from 
Monterey to Vancouver Island. 

In early summer the fragrant spikes of the rein-orchis stand 
half-concealed under the trees and along the banks bordering 
wooded mountain roads. The little greenish flowers are incon- 
spicuous, and reveal themselves only to those who have the 
habit of observation. Early in the spring the rather large 
lily-like leaves were far more noticeable and handsome ; but 
they seemed to weary of waiting for the tardy arrival of the 
blossoms, and faded away long since. The little flowers are 
very deliberate about unfolding themselves ; and I have some- 
times watched them when they seemed for weeks at a stand- 
still before yielding to the summer's invitation to come forth. 

They are arranged in a three-sided spike, on two sides of 

390 




REIN-ORCHIS^- Habenaria elegans. 



MISCELLANEOUS 

which the long spurs interlace and cross one another in quite a 
warlike manner. 

TEASEL. FULLER'S THISTLE. 

Dipsacus fullonum, L. Teasel Family. 

Stems. — Erect ; prickly ; five feet high. Leaves. — Opposite ; entire or 
serrate ; connate at base and cup-like. Inflorescence. — In a dense oval 
head surrounded by a many-leaved involucre. Flowers. — Small; sub- 
tended by bracts in form of hooked bristles. Corolla. — Tubular; four- 
cleft; somewhat irregular. Stamens. — Four. Ovary. — Inferior; one- 
celled. Style one ; simple. Fruit dry. 

The teasel is not an uncommon sight along our roadsides, 
having spread considerably since its introduction from Europe, 
some years ago. The strong stems are tall and slender, and 
bear at summit the large bristly cones, surrounded by rigid, 
erect bracts. These cones are the inflorescence of the plant, 
and each downward-pointing little hook is a bract beneath a 
flower. Before the flowers come out, the buds show their 
round, green heads, packed away down among the bristles. 
Then for a time the cones are ringed or covered by the deli- 
cate flesh-colored flowers, which stand out from the bristles, 
giving the cone a soft, fluffy look. After these have passed 
away, the cavities in which they were stored give the cone a 
pitted appearance. These burs are exquisitely symmetrical, 
and have long been in use by the fuller to ''tease," or raise a 
nap upon cloth, whence the name, "teasel." They are cut in 
halves or quarters, and these are set in frames which are 
worked by machinery. Many vain attempts have been made 
to manufacture an instrument to take the place of the teasel ; 
but it is difficult to find anything that is strong enough to do 
the work that at the same time will not injure the cloth. 

This is enumerated among the plants which are supposed 
to foretell the weather. Mr. Dyer quotes the following: — 
. . . . " 'tezils, or fuller's thistle, being gathered and hanged 
up in the house where the air may come freely to it, upon the 
alteration of cold and windy weather will grow smoother, and 
against rain will close up its prickles.' " 

392 



MISCELLANEOUS 

SAMPHIRE. GLASSWORT. 

Salicornia ambigua, Michx. Goosefoot Family. 
Hab. — The Coast, from San Francisco to Oregon. 

Ye marshes, how candid and simple, and nothing withholding and free, 

Ye publish yourselves to the sky, and offer yourselves to the sea ; 

Tolerant plains that suffer the sea and the rains and the sun, 

Ye spread and span, like the catholic man who hath mightily won 

God out of knowledge, and good out of infinite pain, 

And sight out of blindness, and purity out of a stain. — Sidney Lanier. 

Though a humble enough plant in itself, the samphire, or 
glasswort, is the source of a wonderful glory in our marshes in 
the autumn. Great stretches of tide-land not already pre- 
empted by the tule are covered by it, showing the most gor- 
geous blendings of crimson, purple, olives, and bronzes, which, 
seen with all the added charm of shifting and changing 
atmospheric effects, far outrival any Oriental rug that could 
be conceived of. 

This plant is easily known by its succulent branching, leaf- 
less stems and from the fact that it does not grow outside of 
the salt marshes. Its flowering is obscure, and all that can be 
seen is a few small stamens just protruding from the surface of 
the fleshy spike, which appears much like any of the other 
branches, the flowers being sunk in it. 

The generic name is derived from two Latin words- — sal, 
salt, and comu, a horn — and conveys the idea of saline plants 
with hornlike branches. The English name, "samphire," is of 
French derivation, and comes originally from the old 'Therbe 
de Saint Pierre," formerly having been written "sampetra" 
and "sampire." In Great Britain this plant is usually desig- 
nated as "marsh samphire," to distinguish it from the ordinary 
samphire, which is a plant of the genus Crithmum. 

This plant is much relished by cattle, and in England it is 
made into a pickle, while on the continent it is used as a pot- 
herb. Formerly, in Europe, it was burned in large quantities 
for the soda contained in its ashes. 

393 



MISCELLANEOUS 

MOTTLED SWAMP-ORCHIS. FALSE LADY'S SLIPPER. 

Epipactis g'igantea, Dougl. Orchis Family. 

Rootstock — Creeping. Stems. — Leafy ; one to four feet high. Leaves. 
—Alternate ; sessile ; clasping ; ovate below ; lanceolate above ; three to 
eight inches long. Flowers. — Three to ten ; in terminal racemes ; green- 
ish, veined with purple. Sepals. — Three; petaloid; lanceolate; an inch 
or less long. Petals. — The two upper about equaling the sepals. The 
lip concave; saccate; eared at base; with a jointed, pendulous tip. 
Anther. — One; sessile upon the top of the column. Ovary. — One- 
celled. Hab. — Throughout California. 

The casual observer usually alludes to this plant as a "lady's 
slipper," and he is not so very far wrong, for it is closely 
related to the Cypripedium, and resembles it much in habit, in 
the aspect of its leafy stems, and in the general form of its 
blossom. But instead of having its lip in the form of a sac, it 
is open and curiously jointed, the lower portion swinging 
freely, as upon a hinge. When this lid is raised, one can fancy 
some winged seraph or angel enshrined within, but when low- 
ered the semblance is more to a monk bowed in meditation. 

These beautiful plants will be found abundantly fringing our 
streams in June and July, and the disciples of dear old Isaak 
Walton who then pass down the stream with rod and line are 
usually attracted by their quietly elegant colors. Dull purples 
and greens predominate, though the lip is tinged with orange 
or yellow. 

In northern California and Oregon is occasionally found a 
rare and curious plant — the "phantom orchis," Cephalanthera 
Oregana, Richenb.f. This plant is white and ghostlike through- 
out, has stems a foo.t or two high, but no leaves — only three 
to five scarious sheathing bracts. Its blossoms are very similar 
in size and shape to those of Epipactis gigantea. 

I have never had the pleasure of finding this floral oddity 
myself; but one season a friend sent me the only plant which 
was found in a thicket near a pretty camp upon the Sacramento 
River, in the Shasta region. 



394 




FALSE LADY'S SLIPPER— Epipactis gigantea. 



MISCELLANEO US 

CALIFORNIA PITCHER-PLANT. CALF'S-HEAD. 

Darlingtonia Calif ornica, Torr. Pitcher-plant Family. 

Bog plants, with long horizontal rootstocks. Leaves. — Tubular; 
furnished with a wing the length of the tube ; hooded and appendaged 
above ; eighteen to thirty-four inches high. Scape. — Eighteen inches or 
more high, with green bracts crowded near the solitary nodding flower. 
Flower parts in fives. Sepals. — Green; twenty lines long. Petals.— 
Purplish ; shorter than the sepals ; constricted above into a terminal lobe. 
■Stamens. — Twelve to fifteen in a circle around the ovary. Ovary.— 
Top-shaped; truncate; five-lobed; five-celled. Style five-lobed. Stig- 
mas thickish. Hab. — The Sierras, from Truckee Pass into Oregon. 

Our pitcher-plant is one of the most wonderful and inter- 
esting of all the forms that grow, linking, as it were, the vege 
table world with the animal, by its unnatural carnivorous 
habits. If you would like to visit it, this warm July day, we 
will take a mountain trail, leading around under lofty yellow 
pines, Douglas spruces, and incense-cedars, making our way 
through the undergrowth until we come to a swamp lying 
upon a hillside yonder. While still some distance away, we 
•can discern the yellowish-green of the myriad hoods as they 
lift themselves in the sunlight like spotted snakes. 

If you have never seen the plant before, you will be in a 
fever of excitement till you can reach the spot and actually 
take one of the strange pitchers in your hand to examine it. 
Nothing could be cleverer than the nicely arranged wiles of 
this uncanny plant for the capturing of the innocent — yes, and 
of the more knowing ones — of the insect world who come 
within its enchantment. No ogre in his castle has ever gone 
to work more deliberately or fiendishly to entrap his victims 
while offering them hospitality, than does this plant-ogre. 
Attracted by the bizarre yellowish hoods or the tall nodding 
flowers, the foolish insect alights upon the tube and com- 
mences his exploration of the fascinating region. He soon 
comes upon the wing, which often being smeared with a trail 
of sweets, acts as a guide to lure him on to the dangerous 
entrance to the hoodlike dome. Once within this hall of pleas- 
ure, he roams about, enjoying the hospitality spread for him. 

396 




CALIFORNIA PITCHER-PLANT — Darlingtonia Calif ornica. 



MISCELLANEOUS 

But at last, when he has partaken to satiety and would fain 
depart, he turns to retrace his steps. In the dazzlement of the 
translucent windows of the dome above, he loses sight of the 
darkened door in the floor by which he entered and flies forcibly 
upward, bumping his head in his eagerness to escape. He is 
stunned by the blow and plunged downward into the tube be- 
low. Here he struggles to rise, but countless downward- 
pointing, bristly hairs urge him to his fate. He sinks lower 
and lower in this "well of death" until he reaches the fatal 
waters in the bottom, where he is at length ingulfed, adding 
one more to the already numerous victims of this diabolical 
plant. 

The fluid at the bottom of the well is secreted by the plant, 
and seems to have somewhat the action of a gastric juice in 
disintegrating the insects submerged in it. Many species of 
ants, flies, bees, hornets, grasshoppers, butterflies, moths, 
dragon-flies, beetles, etc., are to be found in the tube, some- 
times filling it to a depth of two or three inches. 

The disagreeableness of the vicinity of these plants can be 
imagined upon a hot day when the sun is shining "upon this 
sad abode of death" and all the air is tainted with their sick- 
ening odor. 

The mountaineers call the plant "calf's-head," because of 
the large yellowish domes of the pitchers. 



398 



INDEX TO LATIN NAMES 



[To assist in the pronunciation of the Latin names, the accented syllable in each 
word is indicated by an accent mark. If this syllable ends in a vowel, the vowel has 
the long sound; but if it ends in a consonant, the vowel has a short sound. Either 
the English or the Continental sounds may be given the vowels, though the former 
are more generally authorized. Synonyms are printed in italics.] 



Abro'nia latifolia 

marit'ima 

umbella'ta 

villo'sa 

Achille'a millefolium 

Aconi'tum Columbia 'num 

A coni' turn Fisch'cri 

Aconi'tum napellus 

Adenos'toma f ascicula'tum . . . 

sparsifolium 

iEs'culus Califor 'nica 

Amelan'chier alnifolia 

Amor'pha Califor nica 

Amsinckla 

spectab'ilis 

Anagallis arven'sis 

Anaph'alis margarita'cea 

Anemo'ne ncmoro'sa 

Anemone quinquefolia 

Anemop'sis Califor nica 

Antenna'ria 

Anthemis cot'ula 

Antirrhi'num Coulteria'num. . 

glandulo'sum 

Orcuttia num 

va'gans 

Aphyllon f ascicula'tum 

Apo'cynum androsaemifolium. 

cannab'inum 

Aquile'gia cserulea 

trunca'ta 

Ar'abis blepharophylla 

Aralia Califor'nica 

Ar'butus Menzie'sii 

Arctostaph'ylos bi'color 



PAGE PAGE 

150 Arctostaph'ylos glau'ca. 14 

296 manzani'ta 12 

296 nummula'ria 15 

294 Arctostaph'ylos pun gens 12 

98 Argemo'ne platy'ceras 72 

334 Aristolo'chia Califor'nica 380 

334 Artemisia Califor'nica 383 

334 tridenta'ta 384 

69 vulga'ris 383 

70 As'arum cauda'tum 316 

71 Hartwe'gi 318 

88 Ascle'pias Mexica'na. 318 

320 specio'sa 318 

132 As'ter Chamisso'nis 338 

133 Aster salsugino'sus 338 

130 Astrag'alus lxxxvii 

104 leucop'sis 44 

20 Audiber'tia grandiflo'ra 356 

20 niv'ea 321 

78 polystach'ya 68 

104 stachyoi'des 320 

16 

42 Bac'charis Douglas'ii 108 

326 pilula'ris 108 

42 vimin'ea , ... 110 

326 Bae'ria gra'cilis 128 

176 Balsamorrhi'za sagitta'ta. . . . . 197 

242 Bcirto'nia aitrca 172 

244 Ber'beris aquifolium 122 

356 nervo'sa 126 

354 pinna'ta- 122 

202 Bloome'ria au'rea 158 

77 Cleveland! 158 

38 Bolelia el'egans 321 

14 pulchella 321 

399 



INDEX TO LATIN NAMES 



Boykin'ia occidenta'lis 83 

Bras'sica ni'gra 143 

Brevoort'ia coccin'ea 244 

Brodise'a capita'ta 268 

coccin'ea 244 

conges'ta 268 

grandiflo'ra 324 

ixioi'des 158 

lac'tea 160 

lax'a 310 

multiflo'ra 268 

terres'tris 326 

volu'bilis 238 

Brnneria vulga'ris 328 

Bryan'thus Brew'eri 252 

Calandrin'ia caules'cens 218 

Calochor'tus xcii 

al'bus 56 

amab'ilis 148 

Ben'thami 134 

Catali'nse 308 

clava'tus 154 

lu'teus 178 

lu'teus occula'tus 80, 83 

macrocar'pus 273 

Mawea'nus 284 

pulchel'lus 148 

splen'dens 308 

umbella'tus 284 

uniflo'rus 284 

venus'tus 80 

Weed'ii 155 

Calycan'thus occidenta'lis.... 358 

Calyp'so borea'lis 216 

Camas'sia esculen'ta 298 

Campan'ula prenanthoi'des. . . 328 

Capsel'la bur'sa pasto'ris 78 

Cardam'ine pausisec'ta 4 

Cassi'ope Mertensia'na 112 

Castille'ia coccin'ea ' 350 

foliolo'sa 350 

latifo'lia 350 

Ceano'thns lxxxvi 

cordula'tus 43 

divarica'tus 262 

integer'rimus 86 

prostra'tus 330 

thyrsiflo'rus 280 

velu'tinus 43 

Cephalan'thera Orega'na 394 

Cephalan'thus occidenta'lis... 100 



Cer'cis occidenta'lis 

Cerocar'pus parvifo'lius 

Chamaeba'tia foliolo'sa , 

(Pronounced Kameba'tia.) 

Cheiran'thus as'per 

Chimaph'ila Menzie'sii , 

umbella'ta , 

Chlorog'alum pomeridia'num, 

Chorizan'the staticoi'des , 

Cicho'rium In'tybus. . , 

Clark'ia concin'na 

el'egans , 

Clayto'nia perfolia'ta , 

Cleistoyuc'ca arbores'cens. . . , 
Clem'atis lasian'tha , 

ligusticif o'lia , 

Clinto'nia Andrewsia'na , 

Collin'sia bi'color , 



tmcto ria 

Collo'mia grandiflo'ra 
Convol'vulus arven'sis.. 

lute'olus , 

occidenta'lis 

Soldanel'la , 

villo'sus 

Corallorhi'za Bigelo'vii. . , 

multiflo'ra 

Cor'nus Canadensis 

Nnttal'lii 

pubes'cens 

Cot'ula coronopifo'lia. . . , 
Cotyledon Calif or nicum . 

ed'ulis 

lanceolata , 

pulvernlen'ta 

Cucur'bita fcetidis'sima. . 



peren nis 

Cuscu'ta 

sali'na 

Cynoglos'sum gran'de 

Cypripe'dium Califor'nicum.. 

montan'um 



Darlingto'nia Califor'nica. . . 
Datu'ra meteloi'des 

Stramo'nium 

suaveo'lens 

Delphin'ium 

cardina'le 

nudicau'le 

scopulo'rum 

Dendrome'con rig'ida 



204 

379 

94 

136 
106 
106 
84 
224 

304 

242 

234 
18 
48 
93 
93 

208 

29& 

298 

184 

46 

44 

46 

216 

46 

278 

278 

96 

96 

96 

156 

146 

154 
146 
148 
121 
121 
164 

165 
264 
390 



396 

54 

97 

97 

282 

370 

352 

334 

122 



400 



INDEX TO LATIN NAMES 



Denta'ria Califor'nica 4 

Dicen'tra chrysan'tha 168 

f ormo'sa 248 

Dip'lacus glutino'sus 144 

Dip'sacus fullo'num 392 

Dis'porum Hook'eri 382 

Menzie'sii 383 

Dodeca'theon Cleveland'i 212 

Henderso'ni 210 

Mead'ia 210 

Dozvnin'gia el'egans 321 

pulchel'la 321 

Dud'leya lanceola'ta 146 

pulverulen'ta 148 

Shel'doni 146 

Echinocac'tus Califor'nicus... 382 

virides'cens 380 

Echinocys'tis faba'cea 28 

macrocar'pa 30 

Ellis'ia chrysanthemifo'lia 40 

Emmenan'the penduliflo'ra. . . . 134 

Ence'lia Califor'nica 132 

Epilo'bium angustifo'lium. . . . 250 

Epilo'bium obcorda'tum 256 

panicula'tum 250 

spica'tum 250 

Epipac'tis gigante'a 394 

Erig'eron Coul'teri no 

glau'cus 312, 338 

Philadel'phicus 222 

salsugino'sns 338 

Eriodic'tyon Califor'nicnm. . . . 58 

tomento'snm 58 

Eriog'onum f ascicula'tum 34 

nu'dum 34 

nmbella'tum 182 

ursi'num 182 

EriophyTlum arachnoi'denm. . 188 

confertiflo'rum 186 

Erc/dium Bo'trys 200 

cicuta'rmm 200 

moscha'tnm 200 

Erysimum as'perum 136 

grandiflo'rum 136 

Erythrse'a venus'ta 224 

Erythro'ninm gigante'um 140 

grandiflo'rum 142 

Eschschol'tzia Calif or'nica 118 

Eucharid'ium concinnnm. . . . 242 

Floer'kea Douglas'ii 130 



Fraga'ria Califor'nica 12 

Chilen'sis 10 

Fremon'tia Califor'nica 162 

Fremontoden'dron Califor'nica 162 

Fritilla'ria biflo'ra 272 

coccin'ea 352 

lanceola'ta 270 

lilia'cea 273 

pluriflo'ra 272 

pu'dica 272 

recur'va 350 

Galium Apari'ne 30 

angustifo'lium 30 

Nuttal'lii 31 

Gar'rya ellip'tica 376 

Fremon'ti yjd 

Gaulthe'ria Shallon 49 

Gentia'na calyco'sa. 336 

Geranium inci'sum 220 

Gil'ia lxxxix 

achillesefo'lia 304 

aggrega'ta 366 

androsa'cea 228 

Califor'nica 212 

dianthoi'des 222 

dichot'oma 52 

grandiflo'ra 184 

tri'color 292 

Gnapha'lium decur'rens 63 

leontopo'dium 6$ 

Sprenge'lii 63 

Califor'nicnm 63 

Gode'tia lxxxviii 

Bot'tae 246 

grandiflo'ra 246 

amoe'na 246 

Gomphocar'pus tomento'sus. . 386 

Good'yera Menzie'sii 100 

Grinde'lia cuneifo'lia 180 

hirsu'tula 180 

Grinde'lia robus'ta 180 

Habena'ria el'egans 390 

leucosta'chys 98 

Helian'thus an'nuus 190 

Califor'nicus 192 

Heliotro'pium Curassa'vicum. 40 

Hemizo'nia luzubefo'lia 192 

Hesperoyuc'ca Whip'plei 74 

Heterome'les arbutifo'lia 92 

Heu'chera Hartwe'gii 60 

Heu'chera micrantha 60 



401 



INDEX TO LATIN NAMES 



Holodis'cus ariaefo'lius 87 

Hosack'ia bi'color 170 

crassifo'lia 172 

gla'bra 156 

gra'cilis 170 

Purshia'na 260 

Tor'reyi 170 

Hyperi'cum anagalloi'des 179 

concin'num 166 

I'ris Douglasia'na 301 

longipet'ala 286 

macrosi'phon 286 

Iso'meris arbo'rea 150 

Lap'pula Califor'nica 307 

nervo'sa 307 

velu'tina 307 

Lar'rea Mexica'na 196 

Lath'yrus splen'dens 216 

Tor'reyi 27 

vesti'tus 27 

Lava'tera assurgentiflo'ra 232 

Lay'ia glandulo'sa 27 

platyglos'sa 152 

Le'dum glandulo'sum 105 

Lepid'ium 80 

Lepto'syne Douglas'ii 152 

marit'ima 150 

Lessin'gia Germano'rum 258 

leptocla'da 258 

Lewis'ia redivi'va 230 

Lil'ium Humbold'tii 189 

marit'imum 362 

pardali'num 188 

Par'ryi 105 

parVum 184 

rubes'cens 74 

Washingtonia'num ....... 105 

Limnan'thes Douglas ii 130 

Lina'ria Canaden'sis 286 

Li'num Lewis'ii 276 

Lithophrag'ma af finis 24 

Lobe'lia splen'dens 371 

Lonice'ra conjugia'lis 232 

hispidu/la 232 

involucra'ta 126 

Lupi'nus lxxxvi 

al'bifrons 165 

arbo'reus 165 

bi'color 308 



Lupi'nus densiflo'rus 87 

Sti'veri .....* 166 

Lysichi'ton Kamtschatcen'sis. . 174 

Ma'dia el'egans 186 

sati'va 186 

Malaco'thrix Califor'nica 155 

saxat'ilis yy 

tenuifo'lia yy 

Malvas'trum Thur'beri 226 

Mamilla'ria Goodrid'gii 26 

Marru'bium vulga're 42 

Meconop'sis heterophyl'la. . . . 133 

Medica'go denticula'ta 138 

macula'ta 138 

sati'va ^3 2 

Megarrhi'za Califor'nica 28 

Melilo'tus al'ba 165 

In'dica 165 

Melilo'tus parviflo'ra 165 

Mentze'lia laevicau'lis 172 

Lind'leyi 172 

Merten'sia Sibe'rica 340 

Mesembryan'themum 

sequilatera'le 226 

crystalli'num 53 

Micrani 'pelis 30 

Microme'ria Douglas'ii 64 

Mim'ulus xc 

brev'ipes 140 

cardina'lis 366 

Douglas'ii 228 

Mim'ulus glutino'sus 144 

Mim'ulus Lewis'ii 252 

lu'teus 138 

moscha'tus 138 

Mirab'ilis Califor'nica 214 

Monardel'la lanceola'ta 330 

odoratis'sima 330 

villo'sa 330 

Mon'tia perfolia'ta 18 

Muil'la marit'ima 375 

seroti'na 375 

Nastur'tium ofricina'le 15 

Neil'lia opulifo'lia 87 

Nemoph'ila atoma'ria 43 

auri'ta 282 

insig'nis 296 

interme'dia 290 

macula'ta 44 

Nemoph'ila Menzie'sii 290 



402 



INDEX TO LATIN NAMES 



Nemoph'ila parviflo'ra 44 

Nicotia'na glau'ca 133 

Nu'phar polysep'alum 189 

Nuttal'lia cerasifor'mis 18 

CEnothe'ra lxxxviii 

bien'nis 182 

bistor'ta 142 

Califor'nica 50 

cheiranthifo'lia 142 

(Enothe'ra Hook'eri 184 

CEnothe'ra ova'ta 114 

Opun'tia basila'ris 231 

Engelman'ni 175 

prolif'era 362 

serpentina 363 

tu'na 176 

Orthocar'pus xci 

densiflo'rus 234 

erian'thus 155 

purpuras'cens 234 

versicolor 54 

Ox'alis cornicula'ta 202 

Orega'na 202 

Paeo'nia Brown'ii 346 

Papa'ver Califor'nicum 120 

Parnas'sia fimbria'ta 112 

Pedicula'ris attol'lens 260 

densiflo'ra 342 

Groenlan'dica 258 

Peltiphyrium pelta'tum 248 

Pentachas'ta au'rea 130 

Pentste'mon xci 

azu'reus 316 

Bridge'sii 364 

centranthifo'lius 364 

cordifo'lins 356 

heterophyl'lus 314 

Menzie'sii 254 

Phace'lia lxxxix 

Douglas'ii 288 

grandiflo'ra 273 

Par'ryi 294 

ramosis'sima 288 

vis'cida 273 

Whitla'via 294 

Philaderphus 82 

Phlox Douglas'ii 254 

Pickeriri gia monta'na 236 

Plagiobo'thrys nothof ul'vus ... 32 
Platyste'mon Calif or'nicus ... . 116 

403 



Polemo'nium caeru'leum 280 

car'neum 278 

Polyg'ala Califor'nica 292 

cornu'ta 292 

Polyg'ala cuculla'ta 292 

Potentil'la Anseri'na. 179 

glandulo'sa 179 

Prim'ula suffrutes'cens 256 

Prosar'tes Hook'eri 382 

Menzie'sii , 383 

Pru'nus demis'sa 36 

ilicifo'lia 63 

subcorda'ta 34 

Pteros'pora andromede'a 190 

Pyr'ola aphyl'la 104 

denta'ta 102 

pic'ta 102 

rotundif o'lia 104 

Ranun'culus Calif or'nicus 114 

Raph'anus sati'vus 15 

Rham'nus Califor'nica 60 

Purshia'na 62 

Rhododen'dron Califor'nicum. 240 

occidenta'le 88 

Rhus aromafica 160 

Rhus Canaden'sis 160 

diversilo'ba 8 

integrifo'lia 209 

lauri'na 209 

ova'ta 210 

Ri'bes glutino'sum 220 

Menzie'sii 344 

Ri'bes sangiiin'cum 220 

Ri'bes specio'sum 344 

subves'titum 344 

Romanzof'fia Califor'nica 32 

Romne'ya Coul'teri 66 

trichoca'lyx 68 

Ro'sa Califor'nica 240 

gymnocar'pa 240 

Ru'bus parviflo'rus 24 

spectab'ilis 26 

vitifo'lius 26 

Ru'mex hymenosep'alus 384 

Salicor'nia ambig'ua 393 

Sal'via cardua'cea 312 

Columba'riae , . 302 

Sambu'cus glau'ca 41 

callicar'pa 42 

Sarco'des sanguin'ea 368 



INDEX TO LATIN NAMES 



Saxif'raga Califor'nica 16 

Saxifraga peltata 248 

Virginien'sis 16 

Scoli'opus Bigelo'vii 262 

Scrophula'ria Califor'nica 348 

Scutellaria angustifo'lia 276 

Califor'nica 276 

tubero'sa 276 

Se'dum spathulifo'lium 170 

Sidal'cea malvaeflo'ra 204 

Sile'ne Califor'nica 360 

Gal'lica 250 

Hook'eri 362 

lacinia'ta 360 

Sisyrin'chium bel'lum 290 

Califor'nicum 290 

Smilaci'na amplexicau'lis 24 

sessilifo'lia 23 

Sola'num Douglas'ii 82 

ni'grum 82 

umbellif'erum 274 

Xan'ti 274 

Solida'go Califor'nica 195 

occidenta'lis 195 

Spha'cele calyci'na 46 

Spirae'a lu'cida 87 

Spircc'a dis 'color 87 

Spirae'a Douglas'ii 87 

Spiran'thes Romanzoffia'num. 94 

Spra'guea nmbella'ta 72 

Sta'chys bulla'ta 236 

Stropholi'rion Calif or'nicum. . 238 

Stylophyl'lum ed'ule 154 

Symphoricar'pus .racemo'sus. . 231 

Telli'ma grandiflo'ra. 348 

Thermop'sis Califor'nica 154 

Trichoste'ma lana'tum 322 

lanceola'tum 321 

Trienta'lis Europse'a 208 



Tril'lium ova'tum 10 

ses'sile 266 

Trox'imon grandiflo'rum 169 

Umbellula'ria Califor'nica.... 378 

Vaccin'ium ova'tum 206 

Valeria'na sylvat'ica in 

Vancouve'ria parviflo'ra 90 

Venegas'ia carpesioi'des 176 

Vera'trum Califor'nicum no 

fimbria'tum in 

Verbas'cum Blatta'ria 194 

Thap'sus 194 

Veron'ica alpi'na 307 

Vic'ia gigante'a 364 

Vi'ola Beckwith'ii 31 

cani'na 310 

ocella'ta 52 

peduncula'ta 124 

Vi'ola sarmento'sa 143 

Vi'ola sempervi'rens 143 

Whip'plea modes'ta 36 

Whitlavia grandiflo'ra 294 

Wye'thia angustifo'lia 161 

gla'bra 161 

helenioi'des 161 

mol'lis 161 

Xerophyl'lum te'nax 53 

Xylother'mia monta'na ...... . 236 

Yucca arb ores' ' cens 48 

baccata 22 

Yuc'ca Mohaven'sis 22 

Yucca Whip'plei 76 

Zauschne'ria Califor'nica 372 

Zygade'nus Fremon'ti 6 

veneno'sus 6 



404 



INDEX TO ENGLISH NAMES 



PAGE 

Aconite 334 

Adam and Eve 140 

Adder's Tongue, Fetid 262 

Alfalfa 332 

Alfilerilla 200 

Alum-Root 60 

Alum-Root, False 348 

Amapola 120 

Amole 84 

Anemone, Wood 20 

Angels' Trumpets 97 

Apple, Devil's .- 97 

Apple of Peru 97 

Artemisia 383 

Aster, Beach 312 

Aster, Cliff -jj 

Aster, Common 338 

August Flower 180 

Azalea, California 88 

Azulea 290 

Baby-Blue-Eyes 296 

Baby- Eyes 290 

Bachelor's Button, Wild 304 

Balm of Heaven 379 

Balsamea 372 

Balsam-Root 197 

Barberry, California 122 

Barrenwort, American 90 

Bartonia 172 

Bay Tree, California 379 

Bearberry 12 

Bear Clover 94 

Beard-Tongue, Azure 316 

Beard-Tongue, Violet 314 

Bearwood 62 

Bed-Straw 30 

Bee-Plant, California 348 

Bellflower 328 

Big-Root 28 

405 



PAGE 

Bindweed 46 

Bird's-Eyes 292 

Bitter-Bark 62 

Bitter-Root 230 

Bladderpod 150 

Blazing-Star 172 

Bleeding-Heart '. 248 

Blood-Drop 133 

Blue-Bells, California 296 

Blue-Bells, Mountain 338 

Blue-Blossom 280 

Blue-Curls 321 

Blue-Curls, Woolly 322 

Blue-eyed Grass 290 

Blue Milla 310 

Blue Myrtle 280 

Blueweed 334 

Bo 148 

Bouvardia, Wild 184 

Boykinia, Western 83 

Brass Buttons 156 

Bridal- Wreath, Wild 87 

Brodiaea 268 

Brodiaea, Golden 158 

Brodiaea, Harvest 324 

Brodiaea, Large-flowered 324 

Brodiaea, Twining 238 

Brodiaea, White 160 

Bronze-Bells 270 

Brooklime 307 

Broom, Wild 156 

Broom-Rape, Naked 176 

Brownies 228 

Buck-Brush 158 

Buckeye, California 71 

Buckwheat. Wild 34 

Bugler, Scarlet 364 

Bunch-Berry 96 

Bur-Clover 138 

Butter-and-Eggs 155 



INDEX TO ENGLISH NAMES 



Buttercup, Common 

Butterfly Tulip 

Butterfly Tulip, Golden 

Button-Bush 

Button- Willow 

Cactus, California Fish-hook. 

Cactus, Cholla 

Cactus, Turban 

Cactus, Turk's-Head 

Cactus, Strawberry 

Cactus, Velvet 

Cajeput 

Calabazilla 

Calf s-Head 

California Coffee 

California Fuchsia. 

California Holly 

California Lilac 

California Olive 

California Poppy 

Calypso 

Camass 

Camass, Death 

Canaigre 

Cancer-Root 

Canchalagua 

Canker-Lettuce 

Canterbury-Bell, Wild 

Cardinal Flower, Western. . . 

Carpenter's-Herb 

Cascara Sagrada 

Cassiope 

Catch-fly, Common 

Cat' s-Ears ' 

Centaury, California 

Chamisal 

Chamiso 

Chamomile 

Cherry, Choke- , 

Cherry, Holly-leaved. ...'... . 

Cherry, Wild 

Chia 

Chicalote 

Chickweed-Wintergreen 

Chicory 

Chili Cojote 

Chilicothe 

Chittemwood 

Choke-Cherry 

Cholla-Cactus 

Christmas-Berry 



114 Christmas-Horns 352; 

83 Christmas-Rose 346 

154 Cinquefoil 179 

100 Clarkia 234 

100 Clarkia, Beautiful 242 

Cleavers 30 

26 Clematis 93 

362 Cliff-Aster , 77 

380 Clintonia 208 

380 Clocks 200 

26 Clover, Bear 94 

363 Clover, Chilean 332 

379 Clover, Musk 200 

121 Clover, Pin. . . . 200 

396 Clover, Spanish 260° 

60 Clover, White Sweet 165 

372 Clover, Yellow Sweet 165 

92 Coffee, California 6o< 

262 Collinsia 298 

379 Columbine 354 

118 Compass-Plant, California.... 161 

216 Copa de Oro 118 

298 Coral-Root 278 

8 Coreopsis, Wild... 186 

384 Cornel 96 

1 76 Cowslips 114 

224 Cream-Cups 116 

104 Creosote-Bush 196 

294 Cucumber, Wild 28 

370 Cudweed 63, 

328 Cup of Gold 118 

60 Currant, Flowering 220 

112 Cyclamen, Wild 210* 

250 

284 Dahlia, Sea 150 

224 Daisy, Large White Mountain, no 

69 Daisy, Lavender Mountain... 338 

69 Daisy, Seaside 312 

16 Daisy, White 27 

36 Daisy, Yellow 152 

63 Dandelion, California 169 

36 Date, Wild 22 

302 Datura, Large-flowered 54 

72 Death-Camass 8 

208 Deerweed 156 

304 Devil's Apple 97 

121 Dicentra, Golden 168 

28 Diogenes' Lantern 148 

62 Dodder 164 

36 Dogbane, Spreading 242 

362 Dog's-tooth Violet 140 

92 Dogwood, Large-flowered.... 96 

406 



INDEX TO ENGLISH NAMES 



Dogwood, Common 96 

Dormidera 120 

Drops of Gold 382 

Dutchman's Pipe 380 

Echeveria 146 

Elder, Common 41 

Elder, Red-berried 42 

Elephants'-Heads 258 

Ellisia 40 

Encelia 132 

Escobita 234 

Espuela del Caballero 282 

Evening Primrose, Common.. 182 

Evening Primrose, White.... 50 

Evening Snow 52 

Everlasting Flower 63 

Everlasting Flower, Pearly... 104 

Fairy Bells 382 

False Alum-Root 348 

False Hellebore, California... no 

False Indigo 320 

False Lady's Slipper 394 

False Pimpernel 179 

False Solomon's Seal 23 

Farewell to Spring 246 

Fever-Bush 376 

Fig-Marigold , . . 226 

Figwort, California 348 

Filaree 200 

Filaree, Green-stemmed 200 

Filaree, Musky 200 

Filaree, Red-stemmed 200 

Finger-Tips 154 

Firecracker Flower 244 

Fireweed 250 

Fish-hook Cactus, California.. 26 

Flax, Blue 276 

Fleabane, Common 222 

Fleur-de-lis 30 1 

Floriponda 97 

Flowering Fern 92 

Fly-Flower 128 

Forget-me-not, Blue 307 

Forget-me-not, Large Moun- 
tain 307 

Forget-me-not, White 32 

Forget-me-not, Yellow 132 

Four-o'clock, California 214 

Friar's-Cap 334 



Fringe-Cups 348 

Fritillary, Scarlet 350 

Fritillary, White 272 

Fuller's Thistle 392 

Fuchsia, California 372 

Fuchsia-flowered Gooseberry. 344 

Gallitos 124 

Gentian, Blue 336 

Geranium, Wild .• 220 

Gilia, Blue 304 

Gilia, Fringed 222 

Gilia, Scarlet 366 

Gilia, Small 228 

Ginger, Wild 316 

Ginger, Wild, Sierra 318 

Glasswort 393 

Globe-Tulip, White 56 

Globe-Tulip, Yellow. 148 

Gobernadora 196 

Godetia 246 

Golden-eyed Grass 250 

Goldenrod, California 195 

Goldenrod, Western 195 

Golden Stars 158 

Golden Thread 164 

Gooseberry, Fuchsia-flowered. 344 

Gooseberry, Wild 344 

Goose-Grass 30 

Gourd 121 

Grass of Parnassus 112 

Grass-Nuts 26S 

Greasewood 68, 69, 197 

Grindelia 180 

Ground Iris 286 

Ground Pink 222 

Groundsel-Tree 108 

Gum-Plant 180 

Hag-Taper 195 

Hairbell 56 

Hardhack, California 87 

Harebell, California 328 

Heal-All 328 

Heart's-Ease 52 

Heart's-Ease, Mountain 31 

Heather, Alpine 252 

Hedge-Nettle 236 

Heliotrope 40 

Heliotrope, Wild 288 

Hellebore, California False. . . no 

Helmet Flower 334 

Hemp, American Indian 244 



407 



INDEX TO ENGLISH NAMES 



Hen-and-Chickens 146 

Herald of Summer 246 

Hideondo 196 

Hog-Onion 268 

Hog's Potato 8 

Holly, California 92 

Holly, Water 126 

Hollyhock, Wild 204 

Honeysuckle 88 

Honeysuckle, Scarlet 356 

Honeysuckle, Wild 83, 232 

Hook-Heal 328 

Horehound 42 

Horse-Chestnut, California... 71 

Hound's-Tongue 264 

Huckleberry 206 

Humming-bird's Trumpet.... 372 

Hyacinth, Twining 238 

Hyacinth, Wild 268, 298 

Ice-Plant 53 

Incense-Shrub 220 

Indian Lettuce 18, 104 

Indian Paint-Brush 350 

Indian Pink 360 

Indian Plume 350 

Indian Rhubarb 248 

Indian Warrior 342 

Indian Wheat 161 

Indigo, False 320 

Innocence . . 298 

Iris, Bog 286 

Iris, Douglas 301 

Iris, Ground 286 

Islay : 63 

Ithuriel's Spear 310 

Jacob's Ladder 278 

Jamestown- Weed 97 

Jimson-Weed 97 

Johnny-jump-up : . . . . 124 

Joshua-Tree 48 

Judas-Tree 204 

June-Berry 88 

Kamass 298 

Kayoum 197 

Kittikit 94 

Labrador Tea 105 

Lady's Slipper, False 394 

Lady's Slipper, Mountain 388 



Lady's Smocks 4 

Lady's Tobacco 63 

Ladies' Tresses 94 

Lantana, Wild 294 

Lantern of the Fairies 56 

Larkspur, Blue 282 

Larkspur, Northern Scarlet... 352 

Larkspur, Southern Scarlet... 370 

Larkspur, Tall Mountain 334 

Laurel, California 378 

Laurel, Mountain 379 

Laurel, Sassafras 379 

Layia, White 27 

Lead-Plant 320 

Leatherwood 164 

Lemonade-and-Sugar Tree... 210 

Lemonade-Berry 209 

Lessingia 258 

Lettuce, Canker 104 

Lettuce, Indian 18, 104 

Lettuce, Miner's 18 

Lilac, California 262, 280 

Lilac, Wild White 43 

Lily-Bell, Golden 148 

Lily-Bell, Snowy 56 

Lily, Black 272 

Lily, Brown 270 

Lily, Chamise 140 

Lily, Chaparral 74 

Lily, Chocolate 272 

Lily, Cluster 268 

Lily, Coast 362 

Lily, Easter 140 

Lily, Fawn 140 

Lily, Humboldt's 189 

Lily, Lemon 105 

Lily, Leopard 188 

Lily, Little Alpine 184 

Lily, Yellow Pond 189 

Lily, Redwood 74 

Lily, Ruby 74 

Lily, Shasta 105 

Lily, Spanish 268 

Lily, Tiger 188, 189 

Lily, Washington 105 

Lily, Water 6 

Llavina 26 

Lobelia 8 

Lobelia, California 321 

Loco- Weed 44 

Love-Vine 164 

Lucern 332 



408 



INDEX TO ENGLISH NAMES 



Lungwort, Smooth 340 

Lupine, Blue-and- White 308 

Lupine, Common White 87 

Lupine, False 154 

Lupine, Large Yellow 165 

Mad-Apple 97 

Madrone 38 

Madrono 38 

Mad- Violets 210 

Mahala Mats 330 

Mahogany 209 

Mahogany, Mountain 379 

Mahonia 122, 126 

Main-oph-weep 5.6 

Mallow, False 226 

Mallow, Tree 232 

Man-in-the-Ground 28 

Manzanillo 16 

Manzanita 12 

Manzanita, Great-berried 14 

Marianas 296 

Mariposa, Green-banded 273 

Mariposa Tulip 80 

Mariposa Tulip, Catalina 308 

Mariposa Tulip, Yellow 178 

Matilija Poppy 66 

Mayweed 16 

Meadow-Foam 130 

Meadow-Sweet 87 

Medick. Spotted 138 

Mesembryanthemum 226 

Milfoil 98 

Milkmaids 4 

Milkweed. Common 318 

Milkweed, Hornless Woolly. . 386 

Milkwort, California 292 

Milla, Blue 310 

Miner's Lettuce 18 

Mission-Bells 270 

Mission Poppy 68 

Mist-Maidens 32 

Mock-Orange 121 

Modesty 36 

Monkey-Flower, Bush 144 

Monkey-Flower, Common.... 138 

Monkey-Flower, Pink 252 

Monkey-Flower, Scarlet 144 

Monkey-Flower, Sticky. . . 144, 366 

Monk's-Hood 334 

Morning-Glory, Beach 216 

Morning-Glory, Wild 44 

409 



Mosquito-Bills 212 

Moth- Mullein 194 

Mother's-Heart 80 

Mottled Swamp Orchis 394 

Mountain Balm 58 

Mountain- Birch 86 

Mountain Laurel 379 

Mountain Misery 94 

Mugwort, Common 383 

Muilla 375 

Mule-Fat no 

Mule's-Ears 161 

Musk-Plant 138 

Mustard, Common Black 143 

Myrtle, Blue 280 

Naked Broom-Rape 176 

Nemophila, Blue-veined 290 

Nemophila, Purple 282 

Nemophila, White 43 

Nettle, Hedge 236 

Nievitas 32 

Nigger-Babies 290 

Nigger-Heads 346 

Nightshade, Common 82 

Nightshade, Violet 274 

Nine-Bark 87 

Noona 273 

Olive, California 379 

Ookow 268 

Orchis. Rein- 390 

Orchis, Milkwhite Rein- 98 

Orchis, Mottled Swamp- 394 

Orchis, Phantom 394 

Oregon Grape 122 

Orpine 170 

Oso-Berry 18 

Our Lord's Candle 74 

Owl's Clover 234 

Pansy, Yellow 124 

Paint-Brush, Indian 350 

Paint-Brush, Pink 234 

Paint-Brush, Scarlet 350 

Painted-Cup 350 

Pash 197 

Pea, Chaparral 236 

Pea, Common Wild 27 

Pelican Flower 54 

Pennyroyal 330 

Pentachseta 130 



INDEX TO ENGLISH NAMES 



Pentstemon, Climbing 356 

Peony, Wild 346 

Pepper-Root 4 

Phacelia, Large-flowered 273 

Phantom Orchis 394 

Phlox, Alpine 254 

Phlox, Prickly 212 

Pie-Plant, Wild 384 

Pigeon-Berry 62 

Pimpernel 130 

Pimpernel, False 179 

Pin-Clover 200 

Pine-Drops 190 

Pink, Ground 222 

Pink, Indian. 360 

Pipe- Vine 380 

Pipsissiwa 106 

Pitcher-Plant, California 396 

Pitcher- Sage 46 

Plum, Sierra 34 

Plum, Wild 34 

Poison-Oak 10 

Poison- Weed 161 

Poleo 330 

Pond-Lily, Yellow 189 

Poor- Man's Weather-Glass. . . 130 

Pop-corn Flower 32, 54 

Poppy, California 118 

Poppy, Flaming 133 

Poppy, Giant California White. 68 

Poppy, Mission 68 

Poppy, Matilija 66 

Poppy, Thistle- 7 2 

Poppy, Tree- ' 122 

Poppy, Wind- 133 

Portulaca, Wild 218 

Prairie-Pointers 212 

Prickly Pear 175 

Prickly Phlox 212 

Pride of California, The 216 

Pride of the Mountains' 254 

Primrose, Beach 142 

Primrose, Sierra 256 

Primrose, White Evening 50 

Prince's Pine 106 

Pussy's-Ears 284 

Pussy's-Paws 72 

Quinine-Bush 37& 

Racine Amere 230 

Radish 15 



Ragged Sailors 306 

Rattlesnake-Plantain 100 

Rattle- Weed 44 

Redbud 204 

Redwood Sorrel 202 

Rein-Orchis 390 

Rein-Orchis, Milkwhite 98 

Resin- Weed 180 

Rhododendron 240 

Rhubarb, Indian. 248 

Rice-Root 270 

Rock-Cress 202 

Rock-Fringe 256 

Rock-Rose 214 

Romero 322 

Roosters'-Heads 212 

Rose-Bay, California 240 

Rose, Common Wild 240 

Rose, Christmas 346 

Rose, Redwood 240 

Rose, Rock : . . . 214 

Sacred Bark 62 

Sage 302 

Sage, Ball- 320 

Sage, Black 320 

Sage, Humming-bird's 356 

Sage, Thistle- 312 

Sage, White 68 

Sagebrush 383 

Saitas (sah-ee'-tas) 268 

Salal : 49 

Samphire 393 

Sand- Verbena, Lilac 294 

Sand-Verbena, Pink 295 

Sand- Verbena, Yellow 150 

Sassafras Laurel 379 

Satin-Bell 56 

Sauco 41 

Saxifrage, California 16 

Scarlet Bugler 364 

Scarlet Gilia 366 

Sea-Dahlia 150 

Self-Heal 328 

Service-Berrv 88 

Shad-Bush .". 90 

Shepherd's Purse 78 

Shinleaf, White-veined 102 

Shooting-Stars 210 

Sicklewort 328 

Silk-Tassel Tree 376 

Silver-Weed 179 



410 



INDEX TO ENGLISH NAMES 



Silkweed 318 

Si me qnieres, no me quieres.. 128 

Skookum 174 

Skullcap 276 

Skunk-Cabbage 174 

Slippery-Elm, California 162 

Snapdragon, Coulter's 42 

Snapdragon, Violet 326 

Snow-Berry 231 

Snow-Bush 43 

Snow-Plant 368 

Snowy Lily-Bell 56 

Soap-Bush" 85, 262 

Soap-Plant 6, 84 

Solomon's Seal. False 23 

Sorrel, Redwood- 202 

Sour-Grass 53 

Spanish Bayonet 22, 74 

Spat'lum 230 

Speedwell 307 

Spice-Bush 379 

Spice-Bush ; , Western 358 

Spikenard, California 77 

Spiraea 87 

Spotted Medick 138 

Spring-Blossom 4 

Squaw-Berry 160 

Squaw-Grass S3 

Squaw's Carpet 330 

Star-Flower 208 

Star of Bethlehem 24 

Star, Woodland 24 

Star-Tulip, Pink 284 

Star-Tulip, White 284 

Star-Tulip, Yellow 134 

Stickseed 307 

St. John's-Wort 166 

Stonecrop 170 

Stramonium, Common 97 

Strawberry, Beach 10 

Strawberry, Cactus 26 

Strawberry, Wood 12 

Succory 304 

Sulphur-Flower 182 

Sumach 209 

Sumach, Fragrant 160 

Sumach, Trefoil 160 

Sun-Cups 114 

Sunflower 161 

Sunflower, Common 190 

Sunshine 128 

Swamp-Orchis, Mottled 394 

4ii 



Sweet Clover, White 165 

Sweet Clover, Yellow 165 

Sweet-scented Shrub, Califor- 
nia 358 

Syringa, Wild 82 

Tarweed 94, 186, 192 

Tarweed, Chile j86 

Teasel 392 

Tea-Tree, White 86 

Thimble-Berry 24 

Thistle, Fuller's 392 

Thistle- Poppy 72 

Thistle-Sage 312 

Thorn- Apple 97 

Tidy-Tips 152 

Tidy-Tips, False 152 

Toad-Flax 286 

Tobacco-Root 230 

Tolguacha 54 

Toothwort 4 

Torosa 118 

Toyon 92 

Tree- Mallow 232 

Tree-Poppy 122 

Tree-Tobacco 133 

Tree-Yucca 48 

Trillium, California 266 

Tulip, White Globe 56 

Tulip, Yellow Globe 148 

Tulip, Butterfly- 83 

Tulip, Butterfly-, Golden 154 

Tulip, Mariposa, Catalina 308 

Tulip, Star-, Pink 284 

Tulip, Star-, Yellow 134 

Tulip, Yellow Mariposa 178 

Tuna 175 

Tuna, Spineless 231 

Turkey-Beard 53 

Turkish-Rugging 224 

Twinberry 126 

Umbrella- Plant 248 

Valerian in 

Valerian, Greek 278 

Vancouveria 90 

Velvet Cactus 363 

Velvet-Plant, American 195 

Venegasia 176 

Verbena, Sand-, Lilac 294 

Verbena, Sand-, Pink 296 



INDEX TO ENGLISH NAMES 



Verbena, Sand-, Yellow 150 

Vervenia 288 

Vetch, Large 364 

Villela 290 

Vinegar-Weed 321 

Violet, Creeping Wood 143 

Violet, Dog 310 

Violet, Dog's-tooth 140 

Violets, Mad- 210 

Virgin's Bower 93 

Wahoo 62 

Wake-Robin 10 

Wall-Flower, Cream-colored. .136 

Wall-Flower, Western 136 

Watercress 15 

Water-Holly 126 

Water-Lily 6 

Whispering Bells 134 

Wild White Lilac 43 

Willow-Herb, Alpine 256 

Willow-Herb, Autumn 250 

Willow-Herb, Great 250 



Wind-Flower 20 

Wind-Poppy 133, 

Wintergreen 49 

Wintergreen, Chickweed 208 

Wood- Anemone 20 

Wood-Balm 46 

Woodland Star 24 

Woolly-Breeches 132 

Yarrow 98 

Yarrow, Golden 186 

Yellow-Boy 62 

Yellow-Root 62 

Yerba Buena 64 

Yerba de Chivato 93 

Yerba del Indio 360 

Yerba del Pasmo 70 

Yerba Mansa 78 

Yerba Santa 58 

Yucca, Tree- 48 

Yucca-Palm 48 

Zygadene 6 



412 



GLOSSARY 



Abortive, defective or barren. 

Acuminate, ending in a tapering 
point. 

Adnate, growing to; or said of an 
anther whose cells are borne 
upon the sides of the apex of 
the filament. 

Appendage, any superadded part. 

Appressed, lying flat against or to- 
gether for the whole length. 

Arborescent, treelike; approaching 
the size of a tree. 

Attenuate, slenderly tapering to a 
point. 

Auricle, a small earlike lobe at 
the base of a leaf. 

Azun, a bristle-shaped appendage. 

Barb, a sharply reflexed point upon 

an awn, etc., like the barb of a 

fish-hook. 
Basifixcd, attached by the base or 

lower end. 
Beak, a narrow or prolonged tip. 
Bifid, two-cleft to the middle or 

thereabouts. 
Bilabiate, two-lipped. 
Blade, the expanded, portion of a 

leaf, petal, etc. 
Bract, one of the leaves of a 

flower-cluster. 
Bracteate, furnished with bracts. 
Bractlet, a bract of the ultimate 

grade; as one inserted on a 

pedicel or ultimate flower-stalk 

instead of under it. 



Bracteolate, having bractlets. 
Bulbiferous, bearing bulbs. 

Caducous, dropping off very early. 

Campanulate, bell-shaped. 

Capitate, headlike, or collected in 
a head. 

Carina, a salient longitudinal pro- 
jection on the center of the 
lower face of an organ. 

Carinate, furnished with a carina, 
or keel. 

Carpel, a simple pistil, or one of 
the several parts of a compound 
one. 

Cilia te, marginally fringed with 
hairs. 

Clavate, club-shaped. 

Claw, the narrowed base, or stalk, 
which some petals, etc., possess. 

Cleft, cut half way down or there- 
about. 

Coalescing, cohering ; used prop- 
erly in respect to similar parts. 

Column, a body formed by the 
union of filaments (stamineal) ; 
or (in orchids) of the stamens 
and pistil. 

Complete, said of flowers having 
all four sets of floral organs, 
calvx, corolla, stamens, and pis- 
tils. 

Confluent, blended, or running to- 
gether. 

Connate, growing together; united 
in one. 



413 



GLOSSARY 



Connective, the portion of the fila- 
ment which connects or sepa- 
rates the cells of an anther. 

Connivent, coming into contact or 
converging. 

Cordate, heart-shaped. 

Coriaceous, leathery. 

Corymb, a flat-topped inflores- 
cence flowering from the margin 
inward. 

Corymbose, in corymbs, or in the 
form of a corymb. 

Cruciferous, of four somewhat 
similar petals, spreading in the 
form of a cross. 

Cymose, in cymes. (See cyme, in 
Explanation of Terms, p. xxx.) 

Deciduous, falling at the end of 
the season. 

Declined, bent or curved down- 
ward or forward. 

Decumbent, reclining, but with 
summit ascending. 

Decurrent, running down the 
stem ; applied to a leaf with 
blade prolonged below its inser- 
tion. 

Deflexed, bent or turned abruptly 
downward. 

Dehiscing, opening by valves, slits, 
or regular lines ; as a capsule or 
an anther. 

Deltoid, having the shape of the 
Greek letter delta; broadly tri- 
angular. 

Denticulate, minutely toothed. 

Depauperate, impoverished in size 
by unfavorable surroundings. 

Dichotomous, forking regularly by 
pairs 

Dioecious, with stamens and pistils 
in different flowers on different 
plants. 

Disk, the central part of a head of 
flowers as opposed to the border 
or ray. 



Dissected, deeply cut, or divided 
into numerous segments. 

Divaricate, extremely divergent. 

Divided, lobed or cut clear to the 
base. 

Emarginate, notched at the ex- 
tremity. 

Entire, with the margin uninter- 
rupted; without teeth or divi- 
sions of any sort. 

Equitant, astride ; as of leaves 
folding over each other in two 
ranks ; as in the iris. 

Erose, gnawed. 

Exserted, projecting beyond an en- 
velop ; as stamens from a corolla. 

Extrorse, facing outward; said of 
the anther. 

Falcate, scythe - shaped ; sickle- 
shaped. 

Fascicled, in a close cluster or 
bundle ; said of flowers, stalks, 
roots, and leaves. 

Fertile, capable of producing fruit ; 
as a pistillate flower; applied 
also to a pollen-bearing stamen. 

Fibrous, composed of or of the 
nature of fibers. 

Filiform, threadlike. 

Flexuous, zigzag; bent alternately 
in opposite directions. 

Foliaceous, leaflike in structure or 
appearance; leafy. 

Foliolate, having leaflets ; the num- 
ber indicated by the Latin pre- 
fixes, bi-, tri-, etc. 

Follicle, a pod formed from a 
single pistil, dehiscing along the 
ventral suture only. 

Free, not growing to other organs. 

Fugacious, falling very early. 

Funnel-form, tubular, but expand- 
ing gradually from the narrow 
base to the spreading border or 
limb; e. g. the morning-glory 
flower. 



414 



GLOSSARY 



Galea, a helmet ; applied to the 
helmet- shaped upper lip of the 
corolla in Labiates, etc. ; also in 
some Scrophularinece, though not 
so shaped. 

Gibbous, swelling out on one side. 

Glabrous, without any kind of 
hairiness. 

Gland, any secreting structure, de- 
pression or prominence, on any 
part of a plant, or any structure 
having such an appearance. 

Glandular, bearing glands, or 
glandlike. 

Glaucous, covered or whitened 
with a bloom like that on a 
cabbage-leaf. 

Habit, the general form or mode 

of growth of a plant. 
Herbaceous, having the character 

of an herb ; not woody or 

shrubby. 
Hispid, beset with rigid or bristly 

hairs, or with bristles. 

Imbricate, overlapping, like shin- 
gles on a roof. 

Incised, cut irregularly and sharply. 

Included, inclosed by the sur- 
rounding organs ; not exserted. 

Indigenous, native to the country. 

Inferior, said of the ovary when 
the calyx, corolla, or stamens are 
borne upon its summit or sides. 

Inflorescence, the flowering por- 
tion of a plant, and especially 
the mode of its arrangement. 

Innate, said of an anther when it 
is a continuation of the filament. 

Introrse, facing inward, or toward 
the axis, as an anther. 

Involucel, an inner or secondary 
involucre. 

Involucrate, having an involucre. 

Involucre, a circle of bracts sub- 
tending a flower-cluster. 

Involute, rolled inward. 



Keel. (See carina.) 
Keeled, furnished with a keel, or 
carina. 

Lacerate, torn; irregularly and 
deeply cleft. 

Laciniate, cut into narrow, slender 
teeth, or lobes. 

Liliaceous, lily-like. 

Limb, the dilated and usually 
spreading portion of a perianth 
or petal as distinct from the tu- 
bular part, or claw. 

Line, the twelfth part of an inch. 

Linear, narrow and elongated, 
with parallel margins. 

Lip, either of the two divisions of 
a bilabiate corolla or calyx; in 
orchids the upper petal (often, 
apparently, the lower) usually 
very different from the others. 

Lobe, any division of a leaf, co- 
rolla, etc., especially if rounded. 

Lunate, crescent-shaped, or half- 
moon-shaped. 

Lyrate, lyre -shaped; pinnatifid 
with the terminal lobe large and 
rounded, and one or more of the 
lower pairs small. 

Membranaceous, thin; rather soft 
and translucent, like membrane. 

Monoecious, with stamens and pis- 
tils in separate blossoms on the 
same plant. 

Mucronate, with a short, abrupt, 
small tip. 

Nectar, the sweetish secretion of 

the blossom from which bees 

make honey. 
Nectary, the place or gland in 

which nectar is secreted. 
Nerve, a simple, unbranched vein 

or slender rib. 
Nerved, furnished with a nerve or 

nerves. 



4i; 



GLOSSARY 



Ob-, used as a prefix meaning in- 
versely. 

Obtuse, blunt or rounded at the 
end. 

Odd-pinnate, pinnate, with an odd 
leaflet at the end. 

Palate, a protrusion at or near the 
throat of a two-lipped corolla. 

Panicle, a loose, irregularly branch- 
ing inflorescence. 

Papilionaceous, butterfly-like ; ap- 
plied to the peculiar irregular 
flower common in Le gummosa. 

Papillce, minute, thick, nipple- 
shaped, or somewhat elongated 
projections. 

Parasitic, growing upon and de- 
riving nourishment from an- 
other plant. 

Parted, cleft nearly, but not quite, 
to the base. 

Perfoliate, said of leaves connate 
about the stem. 

Persistent, not falling off ; said of 
leaves continuing through the 
winter. 

Petaloid, petal-like. 

Petiolate, having a petiole. 

Petiole, the foot-stalk of a leaf. 

Petiolulate, having a petiolule. 

Petiolule, the foot-stalk of a leaf- 
let. 

Pinnate, having its parts arranged 
in pairs along a common rachis. 

PinnatiHd, pinnately cleft. 

Pistillate, having a pistil or pistils, 
and no stamens. 

Placenta, lines or ridges on the 
interior walls of the ovary along 
which the ovules are disposed, 
called parietal placentae ; or a 
central axis serving the same 
purpose, called a central pla- 
centa. 

Plicate, folded into plaits like a 
fan. 



Puberulent, minutely pubescent. 
Pubescent, covered with hairs,, 
usually soft and short. 

Rachis, the axis (backbone) of a 
spike, or of a compound leaf. 

Radiate, diverging from a common 
center, or bearing ray-flowers; 
said of flower-heads of compos- 
ite plants. 

Radical, belonging to or proceed- 
ing from the root, or from the 
base of the stem. 

Ray, one of the radiating branches 
of an umbel ; the marginal flow- 
ers, as distinct from those of 
the disk, in Composites, etc. 

Receptacle, a more or less expand- 
ed surface, forming a support 
for a cluster of organs (in a 
flower) or a cluster of flowers 
(in a head), etc. 

Recurved, curved backward or 
downward. 

Rcflexed, abruptly bent or turned 
backward or downward. 

Regular, sjmimetrical in form; 
uniform in shape or structure. 

Retrorse, directed backward or 
downward. 

Revolute, rolled backward from 
the margins or apex. 

Rhomboidal, quadrangular, with 
the lateral angles obtuse. 

Rudiment, an imperfectly devel- 
oped and functionally useless 
organ. 

Rugose, wrinkled; ridged. 

Saccate, sac-shaped ; baggy. 

Sagittate, shaped like an arrow- 
head ; triangular, with basal 
lobes prolonged downward. 

Salver - form, narrowly tubular, 
with limb abruptly or flatly ex- 
panded. 

Scabrous, rough to the touch. 

Scape, a naked peduncle rising 
from the ground. 



Al6 



GLOSSARY 



Scarious, thin, dry, membrana- 
ceous, and not green. 

Scorpioid, incurved like the tail 
of a scorpion; said of an in- 
florescence. 

Segment, one of the parts of a 
leaf or other organ that is cut 
or divided. 

Serrate, having teeth directed for- 
ward, like the teeth of a saw. 

Serrulate, minutely serrate. 

Sessile, stemless. 

Sinus, a recess or re-entering an- 
gle. 

Sheathing, infolding like a sheath. 

Spathe, a large bract or pair of 
bracts (often colored) inclosing 
a flower-cluster. 

Spinescent, ending in a spine or 
rigid point. 

Spinulose, with diminutive spines. 

Spur, a usually slender tubular 
process, from some part of a 
flower, often honey-bearing. 

Staminate, having stamens, but 
no pistils. 

Staminodium, a sterile stamen, or 
something taking the place of a 
stamen. 

Stellate, star-shaped. 

Sterile, barren ; incapable of pro- 
ducing seed ; a sterile stamen is 
one not producing pollen. 

Striate, marked with fine longitu- 
dinal lines. 

Subtended, supported or surround- 
ed ; as a pedicel by a bract, or a 

" flower-cluster by an involucre. 

Subulate, awl-shaped. 



Succulent, fleshy and juicy. 

Superior, growing above ; a supe- 
rior ovary is one wholly above 
and free from the calyx. 

Symmetrical, having the same 
number of organs in each whorl 
(said of flowers). 

Terete, cylindrical. 

Ternate, in threes. 

Thyrse, a contracted or ovate pan- 
icle, 

Thyrsoid, thyrselike. 

Tomentum, dense, matted, woolly 
pubescence. 

Trifoliolate, having three leaflets. 

Tubular, tube-shaped. 

Undulate, wavy. 

Unisexual, of one sex ; said of 
flowers having stamens only, or 
pistils only. 

Urceolate, cylindrical or ovoid, but 
contracted at or below the open 
orifice, like an urn or a pitcher. 

Valve, the several parts of a de- 
hiscent pericarp ; the doorlike 
lid by which some anthers open. 

Ventricose, swelling unequally, or 
inflated on one side. 

Versatile, swinging; turning freely 
on its support. 

Villous, bearing long and soft, 
straight or straightish hairs. 

Virgate, wandlike. 

Viscid, glutinous ; sticky. 

Whorl, an arrangement of leaves, 
flowers, etc., in a circle about 
the stem or axis. 



417 



1 



<f 



DEC 28 1906 



